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More drivers opt for speed awareness course

Drivers caught speeding are now more likely to take a driver education course than accept points on their licence, according to the latest government statistics. 953,428 motorists took a speed awareness course last year – a hefty increase over the 500,000 that took part in 2010. New so-called ‘stealth’ speed cameras: don’t panic “Black box” drivers hit by speeding fines from insurers This is partly down to the rise in speeding fines from £60 to £100 – taking a speeding awareness course usually costs around £85 (depending on the area), which means it’s now less rather than more than the cost of a fine.

Porsche 918 Spyder sets Nürburgring lap record

The new Porsche 918 Spyder has lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 6min 57sec, a time that’s 14 seconds faster than the existing 'Ring record. Such a quick lap was only possible because of the 918 Spyder’s hybrid powertrain, says Porsche, and the new Nürburgring record is claimed to prove the potential its new supercar. Who is the new Nürburgring lap record holder in the Porsche 918 Spyder?

Volkswagen preps the Golf EV for 2013 launch

Volkswagen AG has begun delivery of a second test fleet of Golf blue-e-motion EVs to customers in Germany, the automaker said in a statement. Of the 80 cars being tested in the fleet, 53 will be delivered in Berlin, with the rest going to Hannover and Wolfsburg. The vehicles will be distributed to businesses, public bodies and private motorists, although the majority of cars in Berlin will be tested by corporate customers, as VW views this group as the largest market for EVs in the future.