Steve Davies

The new MINI John Cooper Works WRC was officially launched at the MINI Plant in Oxford this morning, to a rousing welcome. The spotlight was initially on Hopkirk and Aaltonen as they drove onto the stage behind the wheel of the legendary Classic Mini Cooper S, then the guests and media representatives were treated to a first look at the MINI John Cooper Works WRC in its final World Championship design.

A new Caterham Supersport was unveiled today, although you'd be forgiven for asking what's new about a design that's been around for more than 40 years. Caterham describe it as "..the first brand new addition to the world-renowned Seven range in two years", although that probably only serves to confuse you even more, so let's cut to the chase and outline exactly what the term 'new' applies to.

Today is a big day for MINI, as it officially launches its return to international rallying with the MINI WRC Team. At an event to be held at the MINI plant in Oxford later this morning, guests and rally icons will welcome the brand's return to the sport with all the razmatazz of a Mike Tyson comeback.

It was the most gorgeous sunny day in London yesterday (8/4/2011), as we joined Ford at the Gymkhana Uncovered event for the launch of the new Codemasters rally game, DiRT3.

The Nürburgring Nordschleife, once described by ex-F1 World Champion Jackie Stewart as the “Green Hell”, is a haven for vehicle development and testing, rewarding precise car control and testing the balance and stability of even the finest chassis.

It's a measure of just how important the video games industry has become these days, that when Codemasters decided to launch their new DiRT 3 rally game, they were able to join forces with Ford, one of the top-3 global car makers in a marketing partnership that includes the viral sensation, Ken Block.

Can I draw your attention to a new resource created by Volvo, called 'Cross Country Travels' or 'XC Travels', to use its more catchy name. It's an online guide to the 25 most spectacular Scandinavian winter adventures, with an accompanying iPhone App that enables you to check in at the places you visit, receive a digital tag to share with friends and directions to guide you straight to the ideal spots.

What a remarkable transformation from the upright and dowdy A-Class of today to this new Concept A-Class, which is making its world premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show on 21st April 2011.