Exhibition: Taxis of the World

The 'Taxis du Monde' exhibit recently held at the Paris Motor Show displayed a total of 40 taxis from 20 cities around the world, illustrating the evolution and diverse needs of the past, the present and even the future. Renault’s Type AG from 1913 is one historical example. One of the first Parisian taxis, it became known as the “Taxi of the Marne” after 1300 examples transported 6000 men to head off the German army in the first world war.

Nissan Note (2013) first pictures

This is the new Nissan Note, due to arrive in the UK in 2013. Nissan chiefs are quick to point out that the car shown here is the Japanese market version, and that the car offered to European buyers next year will have design tweaks inside and out, and a different dynamic set-up. What do we know about the 2013 Nissan Note?

Audi TT ultra quattro concept sheds 300kg & heads for Worthersee

The TT ultra quattro concept manages to tip the scales at 1111kg, 299kg less than the starting point – the TT S quattro – thanks to a new version of the TT’s aluminium space frame, carbon fibre reinforced plastic panels, carbon fibre for many body panels and some judicious use of magnesium. Other weight saving tricks include carbon ceramic brakes with aluminium calipers, titanium exhaust, cameras instead of heavy door mirror mechanisms, and carbon fibre and aluminium wheels. The weight saving extends to the interior of the TT ultra quattro concept too, with carbon fibre used for the door and centre console trims and glass-fibre reinforced plastic base for the seats which saves 22kh alone. But despite the weight savings Audi hasn’t made the TT ultra quattro concept a hair shirt outing with goodies like leather seats, AirCon and electric windows still on offer.