The 500-hp club

Petrol heads, continue to rejoice: Car manufacturers have not ignored your cries for high-powered cars and trucks. Despite tightening emissions regulations and rising fuel costs, automakers are building an increasing number of vehicles putting out at least 500 horses. Based on our research, there are over 80 cars sold in the United States that deliver these burnout-inducing numbers (not including tuners such as Mosler or Callaway).

Euro NCAP latest results

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 19 December 2007 11:36 The latest round of Euro NCAP results are announced today, with another round of high scores from a range of superminis and family cars. But none of the cars tested could manage more than three stars for pedestrian protection. Daihatsu's Materia supermini and, surprisingly, the Honda Civic trailed the pack with only four stars for occupant safety, but the Merc C-class, Renault Laguna, Volvo V70 and – impressively – the tiny Mazda 2 all came out with the top score.

Mazda 2 three-door (2008): first official pictures

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 23 January 2008 14:26 Mazda will debut the three-door 2 at the Geneva Motor Show in early March. And while the five-door 2 hardly looks staid, and actually rather dynamic, the Japanese company is claiming the three-door will be even more sporty. Quite how this will be achieved Mazda doesn’t say and is remaining tight lipped until nearer show time.