(NEWS) Sorry Again...

We're nearly up and running again. The new equipment has arrived and been assembled. By tomorrow it'll be ready to go... and we'll have a load of catching up to do!

(NEWS) Technical Problems...

Yes the gremlins are in the system again. Updates will be sluggish for the next couple of days - and have been for the past week or so. Apologies for this, steps are being taken to remedy the problem and normal service will be resumed shortly.

(Basically my PC blew up, so until the new one arrives...)

(NEW CAR) Sexy Brit Loses Head...

Aston Martin have done the obvious and lopped the top off their gorgeous V8 Vantage couple.

The result is the work of art you see to your left, the V8 Vantage Roadster (it seems Aston have dropped the Volante monicker).

0-60 in 4.9, top speed on 175mph. That makes this a reasonable potent poseur.

There's no doubting though that this is the softer choice in the Aston range. The King's Road cruise-mobile, and that's fine - its handsome enough and the slack-jawed totty owners will be prising into the passenger seat won't know it sits at the bottom of the AM range.

Still we wouldn't kick one out of the SuperLeaded garage. We'll be hoping our Lotto numbers come up in the second quarter of 2007.

(NEWS) (COMMENT) C-Charge: Daylight Robbery Continues...

London Mayor Ken Livingstone's plot to turn all capital-dwellers into medieval peasants reliant on buses full of gun-wielding maniacs or tubes that blow up every time someone with a rucksack steps on board appears to be continuing.

The newt-loving former Communist now wants all 'polluting' cars to be charged a whopping 25 quid for entering the Central London Congestion Charge zone. On top of this people who live in the zone will lose their 90% discount and don't forget that the zone is being massively increased to stretch as far west as Earl's Court.

Owners of these cars, muses Livingstone, are able to afford to buy whatever car they choose and can therefore pay the ridiculous penalty.

Well Mr Livingstone, my car is probably in your very high band. It cost me £900 and I can't afford to replace it. Am I therefore able to afford your £25 per day tax? Of course not.

Now frankly fuck off and play with your newts. I for one am sick of being labelled a serial killer just because I can't afford to piss away thousands of pounds on a Toyota that looks like a dildo and drives like a sponge pudding.

(NEW CAR) Move Over Veyron Here Comes a Real Fighter...

Ask a hundred people to name as many supercar - producing car firms as they can and the odds are not one will mention Bristol.

The company's high-powered, old-fashioned muscle cars are seldom seen, or heard of - and frankly up until now they've had little impact outside a circle of odd celebrities who like to tool around in something different (Noel Gallagher for one).

Now though the world is starting to sit up and take notice. Why? Because the new Bristol Fighter T is the most powerful production car the planet has ever seen. Its 8 litre twin-turbo V10 pumps out a staggering 1,012 bhp and 1036 lb ft of torque. Suffice to say then that it shifts.

60 comes up in around 3.5 seconds, and it could hit 270 mph if it didn't have an electronic limiter that caps the fun at a more reasonable 225 mph.

£351,000 is the price to pay for such awesome performace, but next to the similarly powerful Bugatti Veyron that looks like a bargain.

Admittedly the Bugatti is a more useable car with astounding build quality and VW group reliability, but we like the idea of pushing past 400 km per hour in a hand-built British oddity.

We love the way Bristol describes the 6 speed manual gearbox as having "increased torque capacity". No shit.

More info here.

(NEW CAR) More Front Wheel Drive Madness from Seat...

Seat's are often seen as being poor man's VW's - but that's not how the company wants to be perceived.

Now, the Spanish auto-maker wants to be known instead for its sporting credentials - and its the Cupra models of their mainstream cars that lead the line on that front.

The latest Leon is a car we can't really make our minds up on. Styling wise it is at least bold - if a little misproportioned in places. The interior is okay, but not class-leading, and the same can be said for the driving experience.

Chuck in 230-odd bhp though and things might start to get interesting. Avialable in March for less that 20 grand, the Leon Cupra is sure to be something of a torque-steer handful as its 2 litre turbo engine propels it from 0-60 in just 6.4 seconds.

We'll await the lines of thick rubber on the UK's roads with some anticpation, then.

(NEWS) MPH Highlights... Bowler Nemesis

Bowler are a small company headquartered in a rural Derbyshire farmyard.

They make bespoke offroad and Rallycross racers from Land Rover bits; and this is their new baby.

Following on from the devastating;y powerful Wildcat - which was largely based on the Defender, the Nemesis - shown at MPH in Prototype form - get it's DNA from the Range Rover sport.

Engine wise, the Rangey's 4.4 V8 has been whittled down to 4 litres, with a shorter stroke. The six-speed manual gearbox is straight from the V6 Discovery with other bits donated by the RR Sport.

SuperLeaded can reveal that when we last visited Bowler around a year ago the firm were in talks with Land Rover to use the Range Stormer name last seen on LR's original Range Rover Sport concept. Sadly it seems this hasn't panned out, so Nemesis it'll have to be.

The car makes its competition debut next year. If you want to buy one, expect to pay between 70 and 130 thousand pounds.

(NEWS) MPH Highlights... TechArt Cayman GT Sport

What does a hundred grand buy you these days? In supercar terms, not a great deal. No 911 Turbo. No Ferrari F430. No Aston Martin DB9. Not even a Lamborghini Gallardo.

In fact, if you're budget is limited to just a pound over five figures the choice is somewhat limited, unless you want a poor-man's 911 or an Aston Vantage.

But how about this? 385bhp, German, Mid-engined, stunning to look at and so exclusive you've got more chance of being murdered twice than ever seeing another one on the public highway.

Sound tempting? Then perhaps sir would like to examine the TechArt modified Cayman: the GT Sport.

Let's start with the exterior. Many aftermarket bodykits can look tacky, some are over agressive and others simply take a great-looking car and make it slightly worse. TechArt, though, have something of a knack for making slightly staid Porsches into something special - and that's no more evident than with their Cayman mods.

The GT sport pack adds aggressive front and side spoilers, gorgeous wheels and a huge 911-style rear wing. It makes the Cayman look uncannily like a lower, sleeker, mid-engined 911 turbo - and that's no bad thing.

But its under the bonnet where the real magic happens. They take a standard Cayman S and bore the engine out from 3.4 to 3.8 litres. They then replace or fettle just about every other part of the engine to up power by nearly a hundred horse power.

We're not alone in thinking the standard Cayman S is a great chassis in need of far more power, and TechArt can oblige.

We've not got behind the wheel, but here's betting a GT Sport driven well would give a 911 Turbo a run for its money around the 'Ring. We like. We like lots.

Send money, now!

(MPH is an annual motorshow held in October/November each year at the NEC in Birmingham and Earls Court in London. Over the next few days SuperLeaded will be bringing you selected highlights from this year's show).

(VIDEO) The Fastest Car in the World...

This is the fastest road legal car in the world. Its a 1972 Vauxhall Victor with a 2,200bhp 9.3 litre V8 that can hit 60 in ONE second. That's 1, uno, a single measly second. Watch and reel in amazement.

(NEW CAR) What's That Coming Over the Hill?...

Oh dear god. What is it with 4x4s? First there was the hideous Porsche Cayenne, then the vile VW Toe-rag, now Peugeot have jumped on the ugly off-roader bandwagon with their first entry into the lucrative SUV market.

The 4007 is an elephantine abomination better suited to a lonely life in a zoo cage than the streets of posh British suburbs.

It takes its big, ugly wide mouth from the vile 407 and gets worse from there.

Still, let's not kick a newborn too much.

Actually let's. Peugeot describe the 4007 as "attractive and distinctive" with "design style that sets it apart from the rest". The rest of what? All the other attractive, well designed cars people actually want to be seen in? They're right about that, but "attractive"? No chance.

Its uglier than Bella Emberg and Colin Hendry's diseased lovechild. Its an automotive elephant-man. A steaming pile of road-going faeces.

Okay, we'll stop now.

If you can stomach the looks your 4007 comes with a 2.2 HDi diesel which is probably quite strong and interestingly can use a 30% mix of diesel biofuel without any modification.

Gearchanges come courtesy of a 6-speed manual, which is no good thing if the rubbery action and uncertain gate movements of previous PSA stick-shifters are anything to go by.

No details on price are yet forthcoming, but if you as uk (and no-one does) you'd need danger money to drive something as hideous as this when it finally goes on UK release.

The 4007 is, as with most PSA products also avaialbe with a Citroen badge. It is slightly less hideous than its Pug-brother, thanks in part to better detailing and a less slack-mouthed face. The C-Crosser, as its called, features the same engine as the Peugeot and will go on sale at roughly the same price.

Oh, and we'll leave you with some more PR bullshit from Peugeot. This is how the firm describe their wretched offspring...

"Framing the air intake in the front bumper is a chrome surround that portrays a feeling of refinement and strength. The aerodynamic design of the roof, with its ribbed detailing creates an impression of strength and style, combined with a more contemporary design style at the rear of the vehicle.

At the back, a brushed aluminium trim sits between the translucent jewel-like lights, emphasising the chrome Peugeot emblem mounted above the rear number plate."

Still, no parent ever admits they've got an ugly baby, do they?

(NEW CAR) Bravo Fiat, This One's a Looker...

Despite winning car of the year on launch, the last Fiat Bravo was a piece of shite. Not only was it crap to drive, but owners reported lots of problems with both the vehicle, and dealer aftercare. Still, it wasn't hideous-looking, especially in three door guise (the five door was named Brava).

Now with Fiat under-threat from falling sales the company has launched a brand new Bravo, and boy does it look good.

Taking some styling cues from the new Grande Punto, and with more than a hint of Alfa-Romeo in its swooping flanks, the Bravo, which is now a five-door is a real Italian beauty.

Described by Fiat as 'agile' (we'll see about that when we get behind the wheel), the Bravo comes with a choice of 1.9 or 1.4 diesels and a new 1.4 turbo petrol engine - and goes on sale next summer.

(NEW CAR) Happy Birthday GTi...

It was 30 years ago this year that VW took a commom-und-garten Golf and turned it into a legend.

Frankly since the Mk I GTI, the hot Golf's have got progressively heavier and soggier. That is, of course, until the current model.

The Mk V is both gorgeous and a hoot to drive, and its about to get faster.

To celebrate the birthday of the seminal hot-hatch VW have produced a special version with 30ps extra (that's about 28bhp), giving a total of near 230bhp. The GTI Edition 30 comes with a 6 speed manual or dual-clutch semi-auto and will hit 60 in 6.8 seconds (or .2 quicker with the swith-shifter).

Externally the new car comes with revised side skirts and front and rear bumpers and special 18 inch alloys.

Just 1,500 will be made, yours for £22k for the manual and a hefty £23,330 for the DSG equipped version.

(NEWS) Nanu-Nano: VW's Future-Buggy...

Californians, eh? With their hot weather and their crazy environmentalist ideals.

They may all be a bit mad, after all who else would vote Arnie into serious political office, but they do like their cars. They just feel guilty about driving them.

That would explain this odd looking concept then, the Volkswagen Nanospyder. Crazy name. Crazy car.

It's a "future concept" from the former slave-employing Nazi people's car company. Its got all the expected enviro-gubbins; from solar power to hydrogen fuel cells. Supposedly powered by electric motors in the wheels, the Nanospyder would, if it were ever to be manufactured, need to be plugged in all night to drive 4 miles at one metre a fortnight. Probably. Okay we made that up.

It's a two-seater with "inflatable organic body panels", whatever that means.

It's supposed to represent the kind of thing we'll all be driving in 50 years. Clearly in the far flung future wheels no longer need to be circular. Which is odd.

Expect to see this thing lining up on a VW forecourt next to the Mk. XXX Golf and an even duller Passat sometime after you're dead from Carbon Monoxide poisoning, or have been bludgeoned to death by hordes of rampaging, car-hating vegans.

(NEW CAR) Ascari's Hypercar...

Low volume supercar maker Ascari has unveiled a new Enzo FXX rivalling 625bhp beast. But unlike the FXX this mother's road legal.

Despite sounding like a road that runs through Cambridge, the A10 is actually a 1200kg reworked KZ1 that'll hit 60mph in 2.8 seconds and into 100mph in 6. That's Ultima GTR levels of performance. Just ten will be made, and they'll cost a cool £350,000 each. So start saving now.

The car makes its debut at MPH, and we'll bring you more info, plus pictures on that show after this weekend, when we'll be there.

(COMING SOON) Special Reports from MPH...

SuperLeaded UK will be at the MPH Motor Show in London this weekend, and we'll be bringing you a ton of special reports. Watch this space for more!

(VIDEO) The Definition of Fast...

Watch an Ultima GTR hitting 100 from rest in under 6 seconds. Amazing.

(NEW CAR) Drop-top 3-Series Gets Hard...

The new BMW 3-Series Convertible is to feature a folding hard-top roof.

Lowered and raised in just 22 seconds, the three-piece slidey tin top is BMW's first foray into a market where arch rivals Mercedes led the world.

Given that most M3 Cabs we see have the optional hard-top in place during winter months, owners of Bee-em Threes, at least in the UK, will probably be delighted.

There's also special leather in the interior to stop the seats and armrests soaking up so much heat when the roofs left open on hot days. So Mr Cheshire Estate Agent needn't burn his arse when he slides back into his 325i after a hard day's social climbing on holiday in Porto Banus.

On Sale in the UK next March, there'll initally be two choices of enging. The 325i and 335i, costing between 33 and 38 grand.

More details on what will no doubt be a fine four-seat drop-top nearer to launch.

(NEWS) (COMMENT) A Million Pounds to park Your Gas-Guzzler...

The Lib Dem council in Richmond is considering levying extra parking permit charges on cars which cause "unacceptable damage to the environment". They claim it could raise an extra million pounds a year. Meanwhile owners of very-low emission cars would park for free.

The TV presenter Bamber Gascoigne, who lives in Richmond owns an electric car. He's welcomed the idea, telling BBC 5 Live;

"we certainly applaud it and I wanted to jump in and say something about the million pounds. What the council's document says is that if people didn't change their habits it would raise a million pounds extra. It's an incentive to people to change habits - it's a voluntary tax."

Comment...

What bullshit.

By that definition Bamber, nearly all taxes are voluntary. If I 'choose' to earn only 3 grand a year, I won't pay income tax! How about that!? Is that what you do Bamber? Thought not, or else how could you afford to trundle about leafy Richmond in your motorised egg-beater?

In Richmond, there are plenty of overpaid nouveaux-riches who can afford to switch their cars for vastly over-priced inefficient electric vehicles. They're on easy street. Meanwhile, the poor sods elsewhere who might one day be subjected to the greedy demands of socialist councils will have to struggle by with their crappy old gas guzzlers and pay the extra tax. Tax that upper middle class TV presenters like Gascoigne can stump up out of their ashtray change.

Besides, while Bamber's farting around at 3 miles an hour in his plastic food blender all that 'zero-emissions' electricity is coming from somewhere. Does Bamber think when he plugs his Moulinex Magimix into the mains every night that little power pixies descend from heaven to fill his batteries with guilt-free volts.

No, it just means all that nasty carbon is pumped out of a massive power station in the middle of the countryside instead of the middle of London, which is already a grotty, soot covered hell hole.

No offence Bamber.

(NEW CAR) The Corolla's Dead, Long Live the Auris...

Once the best selling car of all time (though that was cheating a bit, but let's not get into it right now), the Toyota Corolla is now on its last legs.

The versatile, yet always underwhelming family hatchback has served countless millions around the world relatively well over the years. Its reward? Extinction.

Never mind though, because the Corolla was dull, dreary and symptomatic of all that's least inspiring about horseless transport.

Let us not mourn its passing then for instead we have a new king, the Auris which looks... well... pretty much exactly like an updated Corolla.

Ah.

A rose by another name perhaps... or better still a Corolla by any other name...

...would still be dull.

That's okay though because its er... hang on, where's the press release... er... its spacious. And follows "the principles of Toyota’s Vibrant Clarity design philosophy – forward looking and energetic, while retaining clarity of purpose and rationality."

Hmm. Don't fall asleep yet.

There's errr... there's.... the new engines!

Yes, a brand new Dual VVTi 1.6 petrol. Yes, that's right dual VVTi, now we're talking!

Oi... wake up at the back.

There's also a 1.4 petrol and three diesels to choose from, including the 2.0 D4D 130 launched earlier this year in the Avensis.

Right, before you break out the cyanide, I'll stop. Its on sale from February 2007. It might be okay, but if it's anything like its predecessor, don't bother. Enough said.

(ROAD TEST) Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC iSHIFT...

All hail the Japanese. They finally seem to be comfortable with their identity. At least when it comes to car design. For years, our Eastern cousins aped European design, with mixed results. The last generation Nissan Micra was a poor man's Mini, the Datsun 240z a shameless homage to the Jaguar E-Type, and the original Nissan Bluebird was an exact copy of a steaming pile of shite.

Now though, ever since the Gran Turismo-inspired boom of interest in the likes of the R33 Nissan Skyline and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI; Japanese manafacturers have realised that we're more than happy to buy into Eastern high-tech, without any faux-European gloss applied.

So then, we come to the current model Honda Civic. Beloved by the elderly for its reliability and lack of excitement, the Civic has always been the safer persons' choice. In guises other than the Type-R its been a big seller with the over-60s, invisible to the rest of us, and rendered entirely undesireable by its anonymous styling and indeterminate road presence.

Now though, something has gone terribly, terribly wrong with this formula. The new Civic doesn't look like a standard Japano-box. It isn't dull. It isn't invisible. It's bloody cool.

Why? Well for once, it doesn't look like its trying to be a Golf, or a Focus, or an Astra Belmont. Its pure Japanese high-tech, and we love it.

Triangular exhaust pipes peek from the rear flanks. A full-width glass strip conceals both headlights and the foreward Honda badge. The door handles look like Phallic 1950s era Flash Gordon rocketships. Its fabulously different. And that's before you even open the door.

Inside, things are even better. Its like Darth Vader's bathroom. The driver sits, coccooned by hemispherical banks of controls and displays. It's ergonomically sound, but it's also entertaining. When people sit in the Civic for the first time they just want to play with stuff.

The way the rev counter surrounds a floating trip computer display in the centre of the driver's view; the digital speedo; the big red starter button - it all exudes the same high-tech cool as something like an iPod, or the Starship Enterprise.

Now, that'll put the wind up the geriatrics.

It seems fairly clear then that Honda are aiming at the youngsters. Notice the funky, five-door -masquerading-as-three styling, the drilled aluminium pedals; there's even built in MP3 support on the powerful stereo.

We like. We like lots.

It's no surprise then that Honda have seen fit to eschew a boring old self-shifter in favour of something a bit more 21sat Century. iSHIFT, as its called, is another of those flappy-paddle sequential overrideable autos. It's supposed to make you feel like Jenson Button every time you flick your way through the box using either the centre console-mounted stick or wheel-mounted paddles.

Unfortuantely, it's crap.

Not 'a bit rubbish'. Not 'slightly poor'. Total, utter crap. It's one of the worst gearboxes we've ever come across. With 6 speeds to slot through there's plenty of changing going on, and the electronic clutch just can't handle it. Upshifts take an age, occasionally leaving you hanging dangerously when pulling away from junctions or trying to overtake. It's not just in semi-auto mode either, the problem manifests intself with the box slipped into full auto, rendering it effectively useless for all but the most sedate of driving.

Even the Honda dealer we spoke to admitted it was a terribly disappointing system. Whatever you do, do not buy a car with iSHIFT. If you must have an auto - by something else. It's that bad.

So what of the rest of the car then? Well the 1.8 four is fairy gutsy, Honda's legendary variable valve timing and lift system piling on the power in the upper echelons of the rev range. If you can put up with the god-awful gearbox (or better still, opt for the manual), then three figures will pop up on the digital speedo in no time at all.

Through the bends grip is remarkably good. There's more feel and feedback through the steering than you might expect, and with solid, direct inputs its easy to get the nose of the Civic pointing where you want it through tricky switchbacks and off-camber sweepers.

There's consierable bulk to slide through the tricky sutff though, and with a slightly crashy ride and high centre of gravity the Civic is more a fat lass who can dance a bit than ballet-dancer limber.

Interior space is excellent though, and the kit levels are commendable. The version we drove came with dual climate control, a full length glass roof and 17" alloys - all for less than 16 grand.

In manual-guise, the Civic makes perfect sense. Practical enough to take the family out for the day, but with enough driver appeal to satisfy an audience half the age of more traditional buyers. That sci-fi styling is initially appealing, but we wonder if the Buck Rogers interior might start to look dated after a couple of years, even though it seems solidly built.

Whatever you do though, stay well clear of iSHIFT. We love the techno-funky side of the Civic, but too many gadgets can be a bad thing...

(VIDEO) Watch the Honda Civic advert

(NEW CAR) Porsche Up Boxster Power, Intro 911 Targa...

Porsche have announced some minor changes to their Boxster range for 2007 - and revealed details of an all new 911 variant - the Targa 4.


Let's deal with the Boxster first. Both models get minor power hikes, with the S engine enlarged from 3.2 to 3.4 litres, taking the total power output up to 295bhp, 15bhp up on last year's model.


The base Boxster meanwhile gets a modest tweak to boost output by 5bhp to 245bhp.


Meanwhile 911 fans who can't make their mind up between coupe or convertible have the option of a targa roof. The sliding-glass-roofed variant comes only in All-Wheel Drive, with both 4 and 4S versions on sale.


Both have the wider rear track of their fixed head 4wd counterparts, and Porsche's excllent PASM suspension management system comes as standard on the 4S, and as an option on the 4.


The Targas go on sale next month with price tags between £70k and £78k.

(COMMENT) To Russia With Love?...

Ever since Nikolai Smolensky - Russia's youngest billionaire - seized control of TVR back in 2004 the doomsayers had predicted a move away from Blackpool to the cheap labour and tax breaks of Eastern Europe.

It was, they said, the only way a low-volume British sports car maker with lofty ambitions could comepete on a global scale. As demand for the company's line up of high-powered, lightweight muscle-cars began to slow, then dry up - it appeared they were right.

Then in June of this year, the following appeared on TVR's website and in the inbox of motoring hacks around the world...

"A Message From TVR (16 June 2006) Independent British sports car manufacturer, TVR has finalised the first stage of its relocation plans, and would like to confirm that it will be remaining in Britain and predominantly within Lancashire, the region in which the company was founded in 1947. "

Hurrahs were sounded, praises were sung and all the workers, 71 of whom had been temporarily stood down in April all popped off to the seafront for celebratory fish and chips. Or something.

Even as recently as the 21st of August, the company issued a press release about their plans to open a brand new factory in Blackpool in two years time.

But it was all for nought. Whether TVR were simply paddling PR bullshit to keep their necks above the water, or whether in the last 2 months there's been a seismic shift in the economics underlying Smolensky's business plan remains to be seen. But this week, nearly 50 years after the first "Trevor" rolled off the production line, the firm announced they were leaving. Not just leaving Lancashire either, but Britain.

Yes from now on TVR's will be made "elsewhere in Europe". Its almost certain that if the firm ever does resurfance, it'll be in a very different form East of the old Iron Curtain. Certainly the 250 skilled workers who's jobs have been shed in the Blackpool shutdown won't be involved.

Unions have called the whole affair a "bitter dissapointment". One factory worker told BBC News he was sick of being lied to by the firm's management.

For his part, owner Smolensky was at least apologetic. "We are extremely sorry that, after a period of uncertainty and raised hopes that we could continue production ourselves in Blackpool, we have had to make this decision." He said in a statement.

"We need to secure the future of the company and move it forward. I am afraid we see no other way to do so."

“We are acutely aware of the shock and distress this will cause for our staff and their families. We will ensure that we meet all our responsibilities towards them over the coming months.

"We would also like to express our gratitude to all those who have worked with us over the past months to try to maintain the company in Blackpool."

He went on to talk about continuing the good name of TVR elsewhere, but - after this debacle - and with cars being made outside Britain for the first time in the firm's history - the appeal, for many would-be-buyers, will be lost.

Would you by a Polish TVR?

Neither would I.

(NEWS) TVR Abandons Britain, 250 Jobs Cut...

TVR is to leave Britain. The British car maker has confirmed that it's Blackpool factory is to close, with the loss of 250 jobs. Production of their current model range will be moved abroad, to somewhere else in Europe.

Just last month the firm promised workers and customers it would be staying in Britain, tohugh falling demand is believed to have forced Russian owner Nikolai Smolensky to reconsider.

Sources claim demand for the Sagaris, Tamora, Tuscan and T350 sports cars had fallen to just 2 a week.

Already this year, more than 70 staff had been shelved to cut costs.

Transport and General Workers Union officials have described the news as a "bitter blow for Blackpool and an iconic British sports car".

More info at the TVR website, and on BBC.co.uk

(NEWS) 450 Brake Horse Pope...

VW have given the Pope a new motor. And no it isn't a common und garten Polo either. Nope, Benedict the XVi is now the proud owner of a W12-engined Phaeton.

Apparently, they can hit 200mph once the electronic limiters taken off. Unlike the last pope who couldn't hit 200 yards per year, downhill, in the wind. No offence.

(NEW CAR) Cute Panda Gets Fast...

Remember the Cinquecento Sporting? Tiny car, tiny engine, sporty seatbelts and teeny-tiny alloys. It was slower than a class full of inbreds but far more fun.

Well now it has a spiritual successor. We like the Fiat Panda, though judging by the tiny number out on our roads the rest of you don't.

Now though Fiat are set to launch a 100bhp version with flashy front and rear bumpers, decent allows and a revvy little 1.4.

0-60 still takes the wrong side of 9 seconds, but for less than ten grand and with 40mpg+ and low insurance this could be the perfect ticket for 18 year old lads in need of some Italian style without breaking too far into their piggy banks.

(NEW CAR) Audi Ready Topless TT...

This, ladies and gentlemen, is the new Audi TT Roadster. Based, of course, on the brand-new Mark II coupe, this drop-top Titty is set to hit our streets roundabout July next year.

Available with the ubiquitous VW Group 2.0 FSi turbo four, or a 3.2 V6 (with full-time 4WD), prices start at £26k and rise above £32k when some of the tastier options start getting ticked on the order sheet.

We like the lines - and given how much better the coupe looks in the metal than in photos, we've got high hopes that this little number will be a tasty-looker in real life.

Note that Audi have eschewed the contuining trend toward folding metal tops and, like BMW with the Z4 and M6 have gone for a fancy, full-auto fabric jobby. It takes just 12 seconds to do its thing, and can be opened or closed at up to 30mph. Perfect for drawing a crowd while in town traffic.

The other bit of fancy tech is an optional magnetic ride system. That means the dampers are filled with something called 'magnetorheological fluid'. Basically it means the fluid can be moved around with electromagnets within the dampers, helping to iron out pitch and roll in the bends, while softening up again to maintain a pliant ride over the rough stuff. Sounds promising, but we wonder if it'll introduce an unnatural feel to the car's balance.

We'll see come next summer, when the TT Roadster hits showrooms. Though, with orders being taken from next month, there might be a bit of a queue for a test drive.

(NEWS) Your Next Taxi...

This vile beast could one day be taking you home from a night on the tiles - or scooting you off to the airport for your next holiday.

Say hello to the CityCab, a Finnish hybrid taxi concept with a big sliding door and four-wheel steering.

Described by its developers at two Helsinki Universities as "a fully-functioning research vehicle", CityCab features the same petrol-electric powerplant as the up-its-own-arse Toyota Prius. The floor can also be lowered by nearly a metre to help the disabled roll on board, or with heavy bags.

Now if they just made it in black with a beaded seat cover cabbies all over the UK might sit up and take notice.

If you want to get closer the future of pissed-up, kebab-laden, overpriced transport, check out the press release.

(NEW CAR) Stateside Ford Fans Get Fat Focus For Farms...

Okay, the title takes some liberties in the name of alliterative licence, but that's what this new US soft-roader looks like to us.

The Ford Edge, as it's to be called, goes on sale in showrooms across the pond next month - and apparently, we're not to call it an SUV. Oh no. It's a CUV, a whole new type of vehicle category that's yet to wing its way to European shores - though it won't be long.

We had several guesses as to what the 'C' might stand for. All of them vile. But in truth it just means Crossover. Basically its a Nissan Murano-alike, a baby Range Rover sport, or an Audi A6 Allroad on steroids.

Genre-bending aside then, this is an important car for Ford US. In the land of soccer moms and vast frontiers, off-roaders, or things that look vaguely like them, are big business - and Ford needs sales.

So what does the Edge bring to the party? Well a 3.5 litre V6 for one, kicking out 265bhp through a 6-speed gearbox.

Being American, the twin 20-ounce cupholders feature prominently in the launch material (that's 1.25 pints each, measurement fans) as does the optional, sliding full-length glass 'vista' roof.

Available with 'intelligent' AWD (that's a 4wd system that can discuss Descartes and enjoys fine wines, by the way) and DVD-based sat nav our lucky Yankee cousins can get their mits on what we have to admit is a tasty looking motor for just $29,000. That's about 15 and a half grand in real money, or £3k less than a new Land Rover Freelander.

Jammy gits.

(NEWS) 107 Gets Even Cheaper...

What happens when you remove the remote central locking, electric windows, body coloured exterior bits, rubbing strips, luggage cover and split rear seats from a Peugeot 107?

It gets £450 cheaper, that's what. Yes the Pugsters have just announced a new, cheapo version of their range-bottoming 107. The new Urban Lite spec of the Aygo and C1 clone will do wtihout everything mentioned above, and come in only three paint colours; yellow, red or black.

It'll keep the same 3 cylinder 1.0 68bhp engine that's good for around 60mpg though, so the less expensive variant might do well in attracting stundets, skinflints and people who'd rather buy a new car this size of a rollerskate than a 2 year old Ford Focus.

(NEW CAR) Megane Gets Delusions of Grandeur...

GT. Grand Tourer. A phrase associated with Bentleys, older Aston Martins and front-engined Ferraris.

It's a term that conjures up images of idle plutocrats blasting across Europe in a Maserati, or continent-wide epic rolling journeys of discovery. It is not something we'd readily associate with a slightly underwhelming French family-size hatchback.

That though, is what Renault seem to want to do with the new Megane GT. Pitched somewhere between the Renaultsport Megane and the rest of the range, they offer reasonable performance without shouting too loudly about it and pretending to be some kind of rally superstar.

Available to order now with either a 165bhp turbo 2.0 four, or a 150bhp 2.0 dCi diesel powerplant, the GT should pootle along as a reasonable pace.

External styling cues are limited to a subtle-ish bodykit and a ridiculous, GT-branded, chrome plater between the twin rear exhausts.

17" alloys, ESP, ASR and CSV traction and steering control systems, and sports seats come as standard - all for between £16,170 and £17,670. That is a couple of grand less than the similarly specced VW Golf GT - but we'd like to bet more drivers are willing to pay the premium for the perceived increase in quality and the Golf's added on-road appeal.

Still, we'll have to wait and see and - if anyone actually buys one - you'll see the GT on the roads later this year.

(NEW CAR) Nissan's New Little Rogue...

No, we're not being coy. That's the only official image so far released by Nissan of their new Rogue 'crossover' vehicle (their description, not ours). Set to debut on January 7th 2007 at the Detroit Motor Show, Nissan US isn't giving up any info except this scrap of a concept image.

We'd like to bet it'll be based on the Murano platform and take some styling cues both from that car and the 350Z. We'd also bet that it'll ride lower than the Murano but still be comfortable 5-up, with a smidge of offroad ability. Kind of like an Audi A6 Allroad on steroids.

(ENTERTAINMENT) Roger Me, 2CV Tops Bond Poll...

James Bond has got his well manicured hands on some top motors over the years; an Aston Martin Vanquish, BMW Z8 and Lotus Esprit to name but three.

It's a humble Citroen 2CV that's proved to be the favourite 007-mobile, though, with fans of Channel 4's motoring website 4Car.

Asked to vote for the best Bond chase of all time, visitors to the site opted for the 2CV sequence from 1981's For Your Eyes Only.

Fair enough, it's not bad, but SuperLeaded's vote rests firmly with the AMC Hornet chase from The Man With The Golden Gun.

Not really.

(NEW CAR) Mazda's Mental 256 BHP Hatch...

There is, one can only imagine, a limit to the level of power that can safely be channelled through the front wheels of a common or garden Japanese hatchback.

Around 180bhp or so would seem to be the natural cut off point. Beyond that plow-on understeer and ridiculous handling start to defeat the purpose of a so-called Super-Hatch.

It is therefore, with a degree of trepidation that we await the February 2007 arrival of the Mazda3 MPS. With a 2.3 litre turbocharged engine kicking out close to 260bhp thi spocket rocket can hit 60 in 6.1 seconds and top out at an artificially limited 155mph.

It should, at the very least, give the forthcoming Civic Type-R and the new Leon Cupra a run for their money.

(NEW CAR) What Joy! A New Van...

Yes I know you don't care. But here'a picture anway. Fiat's new Ducato van is now on sale in the UK. Like most vans it is large, slow and has room for things inside. Including three burly men and weeks worth of copies of the Daily Sport on the dashboard.

This particular model is also exceptionally ugly; with a big chin and eyes that are too far apart. Other than that to my untrained eyes it looks suspiciously like every other van out there on the market. Tall, flatside, boring and overly plastic. Still they serve a purpose.

If you really must know, prices run from £14,475 – £24,575 and the biggest engine is a 157bhp 3.0 litre MultiJet Diesel. Oh, and should the idea of an Italian van not suit, the Ducato is also avaiable in Peugeot and Citroen guises; as the Boxer and Jumper respectively.

(NEWS) COTY Shortlist...

The new Car of the Year award shortlist has been drawn up. The award, given annually recognises (supposedly) the best car to have gone on sale in the previous 12 months. Past winners include the Toyota Prius, Ford Focus and, rather more ignoinously, the awful bastard Fiat Brava / Bravo twins. Shudder.

Anyway, here are this year's nominations, as drawn up by the panel of top motoring hacks...

Citroen C4 Picasso
Fiat Grande Punto
Ford S-Max
Honda Civic
Peugeot 207
Skoda Roomster
Vauxhall Corsa
Volvo C30

(VIDEO) Too Much Horsepower...

Joe is a bit special. Quite how special you can judge for yourself by watching this 21 minute documentary by IMV Films.

It chronicles Joe's attempts to nearly double the power output of his Ford GT. Quite why anyone would need to do that to a car already capable of hitting 212mph is anyone's guess. But, he's managed to take the GT's V8 from 550bhp to 1000bhp by fitting two, rather meaty, turbos.

It seems sanity and reason had little to do with the decision making process. The results are... spectacular, although I would imagine the turbo lag would be measurable in geological eras. Still, if you have a few hundred grand lying around, and a deathwish, its certainly an exciting way to go...

(NEWS) VW Puts High Tech in Old Crap...

The VW Microbus; beloved of Californian 'surf-dudes', 1970s hippies heading for the far east and far out, and.. erm.. Jamie Oliver. It was never pretty, fast, or particulary exciting; but now, thanks to those cheeky lab-coated boffins at Volkswagen - it does at least have more tehcnology on board than Darth Vader's bathroom.

Caranddriver.com reports on the latest concept plaything from VW's Electronics Research Laborotary (sounds like a Nazi torture chamber - appropriately enough for Ze People's Kar Kompany). Despite being little more than a lovingly refettled 1964 hippie-wagon at first glance, this particular hunk of free love-era junk has been turned into a showcase for some of the latest interactive automotive tech.

There's all sorts of complex jiggery-pokery going on, including voice activated controls and 'touch-pads'. Of course, common petroleum is far too neanderthal to propel something so unashamedly 'Silicon-Valley'. No - instead roof mounted, 'surfboard' solar panels help charge the rear-mounted electric motor.

No, it won't make it into production - but it does at least put a different spin on the now-tired retro concept that VW kicked off in the first place.

(COMMENT) Rover 200 - Mobile Fogey Warning System...

Yes the Rover 200. Beloved of those flat-capped, bespectacled octagenarians who don't so much drive as tootle. Always overpriced, eventually outdated, and now thankfully dead - along with, more sadly, its parent company. But is the jelly-mould 200 and latter-day 25 an automotive dinosaur that should be buried in soft peat for a millenia before finally being uncovered by bearded motoring paleontologists, or is it actually quite handy?

"Why," I don't hear you cry, "would anyone actually think the Rover 200 serves a useful purpose, though?". Ah, dear reader, bear with me.

Think back to the days of the Austin Princess, the Morris Minor and the Volvo 340.

Irritating lumps of unreconstructed driving turdulence as they were, they were moving warnings of their owners' incompetence. Anyone stupid enough to pay real money for a heap of shite so bereft of practical, aesthetic or dynamic interest must surely be a blubbering simpleton. A person so idiotic they don't understand even the most basic tenets of road sense. The kind of people who drive at 20 in a 50 zone, who turn right at junctions without indicating or looking. The sort of person who buys a car to get them from A to B without caring how, why or when they'll get there. Yes, in short, whenever you see a 200 you know it'll be being driven by an old git. You can therefore plan ahead.

See a 200 waiting at a crossroads and you just know the Mr Magoo-lookalike behind the wheel is likely to stall in the middle of the junction while the lights are against him. Follow behind one on a narrow country lane and you can be fairly certain that at some stage it'll roll, without signalling, to an impromptu halt while the broken-down old fogey behind the wheel retrieves a stray Werther's Original from the driver's footwell.

Yes, the Rover 200 may be an unloveable hunk of poorly-made shite with awful fake wood trim and rouched faux-leather door pockets, but at least you always know to stay well clear of the lumbago-wracked, bliterhing moron driving it.

Long live the Rover 200 then, maybe they could fit them with audible alarms so people know to stay well clear - a bit like lepers.

(NEWS) Dodge Charger: Yankee Bacon Wagon...

Take a look at this beast. Yes its a Dodge Charger SRT-8 piggy mobile, currently on trial with the New York Police Department. Ain't it gorgeous? Imagine this V8 beast snarling away in your rear-view mirror. Slightly more intimidating than a Volvo isn't it. Of course it renders chases utterly fruitless for the boys in blue if you go round a corner, but hey whoever said catching criminals was as important as looking good?