MG Icon concept

The MG Icon concept will be unveiled at the Beijing motor show next week in order to test public reaction to a small crossover, as well as suggesting a new design direction for the brand. Similar in size to the Nissan Juke, the Icon – as its name suggests – plays on MG's back catalogue of classic cars, something the company hasn't done since its takeover by Nanjing and subsequently SAIC in 2005. Despite clearly different proportions the Icon pays homage to the MGB GT sports coupe via its lamp and grille graphics, bumper overriders and fastback tailgate.

BMW i Ventures buys in to ParkatmyHouse.com

BMW i-Ventures invest in ParkatmyHouse.com Earlier this year – when BMW launched their BMW-i Brand – there was also news of a new BMW company – BMW i Ventures – which BMW said they were setting up to invest in interesting stuff related to cars. BMW stated their goal as “…to expand the range of products and services offered by BMW i in the long term by taking stakes in highly innovative service providers”, and their first investment was in to an app business -  My City Way – which provides users with information on public transportation, parking availability, and local entertainment. BMW argue – very sensibly – that our fuel usage can be cut by using common sense and new technology.

British driver breaks speed record for steam-powered car

One of the world's oldest speed records has gone up in smoke--or rather, steam. Charles Burnett III drove a steam car to an average speed of 139.843 mph over two runs in California to beat the 103-year-old record of Fred Marriott. Burnett peaked at 136.103 mph on the first run, then he accelerated to 151.085 mph on the second run less than an hour later.