Two of the UK’s world most renowned petrol-heads, Ben Collins aka the Stig and, Jodie Kidd, model and self confessed speed freak, were asked to take part in a short film which pitted themselves against each other in a head-to-head fuel efficiency challenge.

The films, created for the New Thinker’s Index – an interactive digital experience, aims to challenge the way people drive and think.

Both Stig and Kidd are used to driving at full throttle, but this challenge was to see which of the celebrity drivers could be the most frugal when it came to driving efficiently.

Top spot would be awarded to either driver who managed to curb their natural instincts to go fast and use the least amount of fuel throughout the race.

Jodie Kidd said about her experience: “Whilst it is great to sit behind the wheel and go hell for leather, this challenge needed me to think in a whole new way about driving.

“The New Thinker’s Index Big Green Race taught me a lot about fuel efficiency and how to affect it with my driving style, which is definitely knowledge that will be useful day-to-day.

Ben Collins agrees with his fellow petrol-head: “As a racing driver you can analyse and agree an approach to a race with your team before it starts because you have a good idea of the variables before you even get in the car.

Stig and Kidd are a part of a host of high profile personalities from a variety of walks of life who have been asked to challenge the natural way of thinking for the launch of New Thinker’s Index for Hyundai.

They include land speed record holder Richard Noble OBE, who was challenged to see if he could think differently and help a group of children increase their speed when they enter the Belchford Soapbox Challenge.

The series of short films look to prove that new ways of thinking are just as important and new technologies. There are also online tests, which will enable users to compare the way their mind works against great thinkers of the past; from sports stars, music legends and actors.

To see the films and take the test visit www.newthinking.uk.msn.com.

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Companies operating within the proposed charging zone could see their transport costs rise significantly, with little or no time tangible savings which may come about due to reductions in the level of traffic.  With businesses from retail to construction already feeling the pinch of the economic downturn, the timing could not be worse.

Those businesses operating in and around Trafford Park, traditionally an industrial centre for the whole region, will face a particular burden.  And while the scheme proposes discounts at a public transport level, no such considerations are made for the business community.  FTA is questioning AGMA’s commitment to the economic viability of the region.

Malcolm Bingham, Head of Roads Policy at FTA, said:

“Those behind this scheme had an opportunity to show their commitment to businesses in Greater Manchester, but they have wasted it, with poorly set out proposals which show little or no benefit to residents or companies operating within the area.  FTA fully supports measures that keep goods and services moving as quickly and sustainably as possibly, but this scheme fails on all counts.  While we welcome the plans to improve public transport options in the area, this should not be done at the expense of business and, ultimately, the consumer.”

The journey time savings outlined in the proposals offer minimal benefits at best, with just five or ten minutes shaved off certain journeys, giving little real opportunity to reschedule their operations.  The disbenefits of not only paying the charge each time the boundary is crossed, but also the administrative costs that will have to be borne by each business simply do not outweigh the savings.  For companies operating – or working with – large fleets, those costs could be substantial, particularly for those in the retail sector.

Malcolm Bingham added:

“At this time of economic uncertainty, regional authorities should be looking to support businesses, not make things harder for them by placing additional financial and administrative burdens on them.”

Congestion Charge Economic Future is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars

Alan Aldridge is known primarily for his creative work throughout the 1960s and 70s.  Dubbed ‘The Graphic Entertainer’, Aldridge illustrated lyric books for the Beatles, album covers for The Rolling Stones, The Who and Elton John, was Art Director for Penguin Books and illustrated much-loved children’s books such as ‘The Butterfly Ball’.

Now working in Los Angeles, Alan Aldridge was keen to mark the opening of his exhibition by recreating an iconic cover of the Sunday Times Magazine, which in 1965 featured a classic Mini painted in his own, inimitable style.  The updated interpretation of this image, using a new MINI One as the canvas for Alan’s design, featured in the 12 October 2008 edition of the publication, again, warranting front cover status.

The MINI Aldridge Special is adorned with an array of images, shapes and patterns, each reflecting either a male or female theme, just as the 1965 car did. The design theme is split between each side of the car, the driver side being largely set on a blue background and masculine in appearance, with passenger near side artistry backed on pink.

MINI UK General Manager Andy Hearn said: “The work of Alan Aldridge is synonymous with some of the most important names in the history of British culture, so MINI is delighted to support this exhibition by offering Alan a car to work on.

“MINI will be celebrating its 50th birthday in 2009, so this is the perfect way to begin celebrating 50 years of the car in the UK.”

‘The Man with Kaleidoscope Eyes’ exhibition runs until 25 January 2009.  MINI fans and the British public will get another chance to see the MINI Aldridge Special in the metal at MINI United next year, the global MINI event which will be staged at a renowned British race circuit between 22-24 May 2009.  Further details will be announced by MINI UK in the near future.

MINI Aldridge Special Public Debut is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars

“We believe that Google offers the best technical solution, allowing TRACKER to offer our customers an unrivalled quality of map display,” said Mark Walls, Head of Business Development and Technology at TRACKER Network. “The Google maps website is already well known by many of our customers, so the new maps within  www.TRACKERVAM.com will be very familiar to many, providing a fast, easy to use solution, with a whole new level of content.“

The new mapping content capitalises on the leading edge graphics created by Google, which are constantly being reviewed and updated by the Google developers. Different options are available to users, including terrain models, street level mapping and satellite imaging. These options now allow TRACKER customers to select a level of map detail that best suits the needs of their business, in turn bringing the benefits of improved customer service to their customers.

Sanjay Patel, Geo Applications Manager at Google adds:  “TRACKER is Google’s largest fleet tracking partner and this relationship enables us to apply our expertise and the benefits that brings, to an even wider audience.”   Another key benefit of the new collaboration with Google is that TRACKER users will be able to utilise the web to access maps without theneed to download specific software.  However, all the existing functionality of TRACKER’s Vehicle Asset Management service is retained to eliminate any need for time-consuming re-training.

“We have a clear commitment to sustained investment in leading edge Vehicle Asset Management tools that support all aspects of a business’ fleet activity, further securing TRACKER’s position as the number one choice for fleet managers”, confirmed Bill Raynal, Managing Director of TRACKER.  “And our partnership with Google is the latest example of this commitment, offering unrivalled mapping systems and the benefit of frequent updates and new features at no extra cost.”

Google’s Largest Fleet Tracking Partner is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars

The acclaimed new Scirocco also marks the introduction of a new range of personal finance packages from Volkswagen Finance – making the new coupé even more affordable.

The Scirocco makes its return 34 years after the launch of the original Volkswagen coupé – of which over 77,000 examples were sold in the UK.

Equipped from launch with a powerful 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS engine linked to a choice of six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes the new Scirocco is fitted with six airbags as standard along with air-conditioning, a touchscreen CD stereo and Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) which allows the damping to alter to suit the road conditions.

Prices for the new Scirocco start at £20,940 fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, rising to £22,270 for the DSG-equipped vehicle.

New Scirocco Hits the Road is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars

For the first time, Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009. The logistics and factory space required for the AUDI AG customer programme will be created over the next few months in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and Györ.

“The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. “Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle.”

The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series.

Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.

The Audi R8, which bears the project name “R16″ within Audi Sport, was developed under the direction of Audi Sport. Mid August, the first prototype successfully completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela.

The first test races in various European racing series are scheduled for the 2009 season. Delivery to the customers is planned from the autumn of this coming year.

Audi develops race version of the R8 is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars

The Caddy Topos Sail design concept, based on the smallest model in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle van range, uses design cues from classic yachts and has its multi-functional roof covered with wooden decking surrounded by aluminium roof rails.

The wooden sun deck on the roof is accessed via four matching wooden and aluminium steps in the Caddy’s tailgate, and to complete the design theme there are wooden inserts along the side of the vehicle and in the rear bumper.

Other highlights of the Volkswagen stand demonstrate its strong heritage in leisure vehicles with a celebration of 20 years of the California camper.

Volkswagen campers became popular almost as soon as the Transporter van was introduced in the 1950s, and the California model was introduced in 1988 when the third generation of the Volkswagen Transporter was in production.

With California conversions of the subsequent fourth generation of Transporter van and today’s latest fifth generation model, more than 80,000 have been sold, which must make it one of the most successful campers ever.

Today’s California was introduced in 2006 and is unique as it is now made by Volkswagen, who must be the only vehicle manufacturer to produce its own camper.  It is built to the same high quality standards as the rest of the range, and sold with a full three year warranty.

Concept – A Caddy with a Boat Deck! is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars

For the last seven years, September has been the key month for new car registrations following the introduction of the new style number plates. However this year the credit crunch looks set to take its toll on the number of new 58 plate registrations.  With many putting the decision to buy a new car on the back burner,  HPI offers some words of wisdom on used cars that will not only be more cost effective to run and environmentally friendly, but are most likely to hold their value.

“Those keen to trade in their current vehicle for something else need to think carefully about their next purchase,” says Martin Keighley, HPI’s used car valuation’s expert. “It is really important that consumers think about a car’s potential to depreciate before parting with their cash.  Winners will be anything small and economical, with low CO₂ ratings.  My top picks include the Toyota Aygo (and its sister cars, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107), Fiat 500 and Hyundai i10. Image conscious drivers will plump for the Mini, which is a bullet-proof buy as long as they stay away from the high end models.”

HPI’s valuation expert goes on to recommend that when it comes to medium sized cars, the latest eco-friendly models will also win the day. The VW Golf Bluemotion, Audi A3 1.9 economy models and Seat Leon 1.9 Ecomotive are all sound investments in terms of low running costs and hold their values.

Keighley concludes, “With money tight, many drivers have been panicked into downsizing their vehicles in a bid to cut their fuel and Vehicle Excise Duty bills. As a result, the list of undersirables is growing with large petrol engines top of the no-no pile.  I would even consider that the 2.0 is too large in 4×4, people carriers or Vauxhall Vectra-sized models, these days.  However, as times get tougher, we need to be aware of all the factors that impact on vehicle values. Although common sense has a lot to do with buying decisions, don’t forget that desirability can also rule the day.”

HPI Valuations’ Top Ten Sound Investments

1. Mini
2. Citroen C1/Peugeot 107/Toyota Aygo
3. Fiat 500
4. Hyundai i10
5. Audi A3 Diesel models
6. BMW 1 Series Efficient Dynamics
7. Ford Focus diesel models
8. VW Polo
9. VW Golf Bluemotion
10. Seat Leon 1.9 Ecomotive

Make Sure the Price Is Right is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars

Volvo is proving to be a popular car choice in the UK this year.  At a time when the new car market is down three per cent year on year, Volvo is seeing a sales increase of 20 per cent year to date, from 17,709 units January to July 2007 to 21,155 for the same period in 2008.

The introduction of the sporty R-DESIGN package on Volvo C30, S40 and V50 has been well received by UK customers and the current top model performers are the Volvo C30, with a sales increase of 96 per cent year on year and the Volvo V50, Volvo’s UK best-selling model, which has already outperformed its full year 2007 results of 5576 units, and is up 93 per cent with 6151 registrations year to date.

“We’ve experienced a high level of interest in the Volvo range this year and we are confident this strong performance will continue throughout the rest of 2008. The addition of 2.0-litre engine derivatives in the Volvo V70 and S80, the new Powershift gearbox in Volvo C30, C70, S40 and V50 and the new sub 225g/km XC90 D5 Geartronic further widens our offering to both retail and corporate customers,” comments Nick Connor, Volvo Car UK sales director.

Fleet sales up nearly 70 per cent
The fleet sector, in particular, has seen great success with a 67.7 percent rise in end user fleet sales, for the first seven months of 2008 over the same period in 2007 (6,405 cars compared with 3,819 Jan to July 2007).

The Volvo S40 and V50 have seen the biggest improvement following the model design refresh last year, a specification realignment to enable easier like-for-like comparisons with premium competitors, and the introduction of the new R-DESIGN specification. These two models also recorded the largest fleet sales increase in the range, with S40 up 86% percent and the V50 Sportswagon up a staggering 176% percent year on year.

R-DESIGN improves RVs further
Used value guide CAP has responded favourably to R-DESIGN with recent future residual value forecasts increasing on the new trim levels. While CAP has reduced average trade price forecasts by 2.9% across the entire UK car sector, it has actually increased values on S40 and V50 – for instance the V50 2.0D R-DESIGN Sport on a typical three year 60,000 mile operating period has increased by over 6% (£7,575 – £8,050).

“It’s great to see a positive reaction from company motorists and the used value guides to our realignment. As a result the Volvo range is now more established in the company car policy hierarchy which will allow for more sustainable growth. A strong order pipeline also shows the steady increased demand for our product,” said John Wallace, Volvo’s Corporate Sales & Leasing Manager.

Volvo rated no. 1 for customer satisfaction
Volvo has also just achieved the number 1 position in the automotive sector in the UK for customer service in a recent survey by the Institute of Customer Service.  This independent organisation asked 12,000 people about their experience of companies from a number of industries.

UK Sales Success For Volvo is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars

Electric Vehicle (EV)
Powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries, the EV prototype is part of Nissan’s substantial research and development programme on zero emission vehicles. This latest generation vehicle features a front-wheel drive layout and uses a newly developed 80kW motor and inverter. The advanced laminated compact lithium-ion batteries are installed under the floor, without sacrificing either cabin or cargo space.

The production vehicle to be introduced in 2010 will have a unique bodystyle and is not based on any existing Nissan model.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
The Nissan original HEV delivers two breakthrough technologies – a high-performance rear-wheel drive hybrid system and parallel-powertrain hybrid system. The hybrid employs Nissan’s own originally developed hybrid technology and its first rear-wheel drive hybrid powertrain.

The parallel-powertrain system comprises an energy-optimising system with two clutches, where one motor is directly connected to an engine and transmission via two separate clutches. Under changing driving conditions, the motor switches between the two clutches to optimise and conserve energy utilisation as well as improve fuel-efficiency.

The parallel-powertrain hybrid system eliminates the need for conventional torque converters, contributing to higher responsiveness and linear acceleration for improved driving feel.

The dynamic characteristics of the clutches are as follows:

Idle-stop: The battery is used to power the motor to save on fuel.
Regular driving: The engine is used to power the motor as well as regenerate the battery.
Acceleration: Both the engine and battery (power assist) is used to power the motor to achieve smooth acceleration.
Deceleration: Energy from braking is conserved and re-routed back to regenerate the battery.
Lithium-ion Battery
The advanced lithium-ion batteries used in both prototypes are sourced from the Nissan-NEC joint-venture, AESC (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation). These advanced batteries offer superior performance, reliability, safety, versatility and cost competitiveness, compared to the conventional nickel metal-hydride batteries. Its compact laminated configuration delivers twice the electric power compared to conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries with a cylindrical configuration. The compact batteries also allow for improved vehicle packaging and a wide range of applications.

Nissan has long experience in electric-powered vehicle development, commencing from the first EV “Tama Electric Vehicle” back in 1947. The company introduced the world’s first application of lithium-ion batteries to the Prarie Joy EV in 1996, followed by the ultra-compact electric vehicle, Hypermini, released in 2000. Nissan also introduced its first original hybrid vehicle Tino Hybrid back in 1999 in Japan. In 2006, the Altima Hybrid was introduced in North America using licensed technology.

Under the Nissan Green Program 2010 environmental plan, the company aims to develop new technologies, products and services that can lead to real-world reductions in vehicle CO2 emissions, cleaner emissions, and recycling of resources. Nissan continues to invest substantially in a wide range of technologies including CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift), clean diesels, biofuels and fuel cell vehicles.

Nissan’s Next Generation Vehicles is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars