Well, he has called fixed speed cameras “arbitrary” and “unfair,” preferring instead the far less arbitrary and unfair average speed cameras. You know, the ones that record your speed over a large distance then send you a ticket in the mail should your average exceed the posted limit. He’s also proposed that drivers could lose their licenses after only two speeding offenses. Why?

No, not because speeding is dangerous — it seems that even the Ministry of Love Labour Party has lost faith in that lie — but, get this, because the faster you drive, the more you pollute. Coincidentally, Geoff Hoon has just approved an extra 23,000 flights per year at Stanstead and who supports a third runway at Heathrow.

Despite his anti-car policies, Hoon has had the gall to have himself described as “car mad” in newspaper interviews. Ignoring his car-hating policies for a second, let’s take a look at the Hoon fleet: a Ford Galaxy minivan, a purple Mini and his Government issue Prius.

What’s most interesting about Hoon’s appointment to the position isn’t the cynical policies or spin however, it’s the resigned acceptance shown by the English press. Writing in The Times, former CAR editor Jason Barlow cites all of the above offenses but doesn’t move on to present a cohesive argument for either Hoon’s dismissal nor the repeal of his policies; instead moving on to a tired and trivial Clarkson imitation, calling for people with stuffed animals in their cars to be banned. For this ex-resident of Blighty, it’s sad and frightening to see the degree to which the British are prepared to roll over and accept the slow progression of Orwellian rule. The United Kingdom used to be a bastion of reasonable laws and personal freedom. Not anymore. [via The Times]

NO BLUE SKIES FOR GREY CAR DRIVERS

Drivers of grey cars are more likely to need roadside assistance than any other coloured vehicle, according to research by digital motoring magazine, imotormag.co.uk.

The study by the free online magazine found that more than one-in-three of the UK’s 1.3 million grey car drivers will call on help from the likes of the AA or RAC to top the UK’s breakdown chart.

The research from imotormag.co.uk also shows that green isn’t the lucky charm some drivers were wishing for. Owners of the nation’s sixth most popular car colour are the second most likely group to require roadside assistance.

With more blue cars on Britain’s roads than any other colour - over 7 million registered - they are nearly 15% less likely to call out a breakdown vehicle than their grey-hued counterparts.

Despite an association with ageing and all things dull and boring, it’s not all bad news and expensive repairs for grey car owners as the major breakdown companies reported the majority of calls received relate to flat batteries and tyre punctures, rather than mechanical failure.

Mat Watson, editor of imotormag.co.uk, said: “The results are genuinely surprising. One theory is that many hire and company car fleets choose grey vehicles as the colour looks newer for longer, with dents and scratches less noticeable. These vehicles are often exposed to very high mileage, so perhaps their chance of needing assistance is greater. Then again, grey cars could just be cursed!”

[Source: iMotorMag.co.uk]

Well, according to Mrs Mellin:

"We had split up and been to court. He wanted me to walk away from the farmhouse and the business and leave me with nothing...so we met in a pub after a court hearing and he started having a tantrum. As we made our way back to our cars he opened the boot and said: "There's my rope, that's what I'm going to kill myself with." I told him to grow up and give me the rope. But he just laughed."

We'll let the Daily Mail continue:

"While Clarkson may not have been pulled over for speeding the 48-year-old was hauled before court on speeding charges last year.

The Top Gear host had been accused of failing to name the driver on a speeding ticket but after an intervention from his lawyer Nick Freeman, better known as 'Mr Loophole', the case was dropped before it even began.

Mr Freeman, who has made his name acting for a string of celebrity clients, said the case was 'fatally flawed'.

Car firm Alfa Romeo had sent Mr Clarkson a speeding infringement notice, saying a car caught on a speed camera had been loaned to him.

The V6 Alfa Romeo Brera was snapped travelling at 82mph in a 50mph zone on the A40 in Ruislip, West London, on October 16 last year.

The case was dropped because although Alfa Romeo had loaned the car to Clarkson they had no information as who the driver was."

Photo Credit: Top Gear

The cameras are either mounted to a hat worn by the crossing guard or in their "lollipop." The camera is then attached to an Archos portable recording unit and the footage can be used in court to bust the offenders. Failing to stop for a crossing guard is punishable by up to £2,000 and three penalty points over the pond. Lollipops and video cameras? If this were a story in the U.S. it would be about a pedophile. [Giz]

We think this is a clever way to sell cars given most people's inherent overestimation of their own looks. Personally, we feel that anything is given an instant aesthetic bump by merely being in our presence:
[Source: CarScoop]

Going two better: Nissan Qashqai 2+2 unveiled SUNDERLAND, United Kingdom - As market rivals start to catch up with the segment defining Qashqai, Nissan has already moved the goalposts: the top selling compact Crossover has expanded its offer with a seven-seat version. Called Qashqai+2, the newest Nissan builds on the success of the original Qashqai by adding space and versatility to create the first Family Crossover.

"Qashqai has become an instant success in Europe. Its distinctive style appeals to buyers seeking something different: but that's only part of the story. Dynamic design, generous interior space, top quality materials and genuine driving enjoyment all contribute to make Qashqai a huge European success. Now comes the seven-seat Qashqai+2 to add a new dimension to the range... and to ensure Nissan continues to offer something no other manufacturer in the market segment can match," states Simon Thomas, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe.

Not content with breaking sales records, Nissan's Qashqai - the segment defining compact Crossover - is ready to break new boundaries. With the original version notching-up over 170,000 European sales since launch, Qashqai will soon be joined by a new seven-seat version.

Called Qashqai+2, the new model is seen by Nissan as the first Crossover for busy, active families and with the imminent arrival of the second generation Murano, helps to extend Nissan's Crossover offering to three distinctive models. Sales in Europe will begin in October.

Qashqai+2 customers will be looking for a car which has the space, convenience and utility of a traditional MPV, but who want a more attractive, sophisticated design. Nissan's research shows that customers of the existing Qashqai are clearly attracted to it by its design - three-quarters are new to Nissan - and this is a pattern that will continue with Qashqai+2. Those customers are not attracted to the existing people carriers with three rows. And at the same time, Nissan's research shows that an increasing number of customers in this area of the market are not interested in 'family' SUVs, with a third row of seats. They are perceived as too big and too boxy for their needs.

It is against this background that Nissan's European Product Planning team identified a pool of potential customers who are looking for a stylish yet practical family car. Qashqai+2 continues the Crossover theme so successfully pioneered by Qashqai, by sitting in between two well established segments of the market and drawing customers who aren't quite satisfied by either of those traditional options.

The results of early Qashqai+2 customer clinics showed that potential customers perceived it as being more family orientated, offering more independence, being ideal for going on family holidays and offering more fun than traditional choices.

They also recognised its increased practicality, space and versatility, as well as being more attractive and elegant than its alternatives.

Where Qashqai generally attracts buyers who have no kids or just one kid, or whose kids have already left the nest, Qashqai+2 will offer the rational advantages of a practical family car, with elements such as stylish design, premium interior quality and an engaging driving experience to satisfy the more emotional side of the buying equation.

Like the multi award-winning original, Qashqai+2 has been designed and engineered in Europe and will be built at Nissan's highly productive plant in Sunderland, in the UK.

In January this year, the plant - which produced a record 353,000 vehicles in 2007 - transferred production of Qashqai models built for export to Japan to the company's Kyushu plant in Japan to free extra production capacity for Europe. Furthermore, in June a third shift will be added to meet demand for surging sales.

"The arrival of Qashqai+2 will broaden the appeal of the range still further, so the third shift at Sunderland is absolutely vital if we are to keep up with the high demand for the model," says, Simon Thomas.

DESIGN & PACKAGING
Qashqai+2 shares clear family design DNA with the original, but is subtly different from virtually every angle. Created by designers at Nissan Design Europe in London's Paddington, the new model is essentially identical to Qashqai from the A-Pillar forward... but everything else behind has been changed.

With a wheelbase extended by 135 mm - taking it to 2,765 mm - the overall length of Qashqai+2 has risen to 4,526 mm, an increase of 211 mm over the five-seat version.

To ensure there's ample headroom in the third set of seats, the roofline has been lengthened and re-profiled at the rear of the vehicle, adding 38 mm to the overall height and taking it to 1,643 mm. Headroom in the front and middle row of seats has increased by 16 mm and 10 mm respectively, while knee room in the middle row has improved by 23 mm.

At the same time, both front and rear doors have been restyled: the window frames of the front door are squarer in line with the re-profiled roofline, while the rear pair are completely new - longer and also with squarer window frames.

Other styling changes include larger side windows at the rear of the vehicle to provide a light and airy environment for occupants of the third row of seats. Further differentiation between five and seven-seat versions is provided by a new tailgate with a deeper rear window and revised bumper profile at the rear and a sleek new grille, exclusive to Qashqai+2, at the front.

Another exterior feature found as standard on Qashqai+2 is a huge panoramic glass roof to give the same light, airy feeling that is so popular with customers on the existing Qashqai. The fixed roof is 140 mm longer than the equivalent sunroof offered on Qashqai and has a one-touch electric operated sunshade.

Additionally, Qashqai+2 has roof rails as standard adding a premium feel to its silhouette, while darkened privacy glass for all windows behind the front doors is standard on all versions.

Styling aside, the nature of the new model means much of the engineering and development work has been concentrated on the rear of the car where the aim has been to make it as flexible, practical and convenient as possible for passengers.

Lengthening the rear doors has improved ingress to the passenger compartment while access to the rearmost pair of seats is further eased by revisions to the middle bench. As well as having a folding backrest, the bench now slides fore and aft to provide walk-in access to the back row.

As well as moving through a total of 100 mm, the middle bench seat now has a three way folding operation on a 40/20/40 split for added modularity. The five-seat version splits on a 60/40 basis. The backrest also reclines and has no fewer than nine adjustment positions over a range from 10 deg to 25 deg of inclination.

The centre '20' portion doubles as a seat or a generously wide multi-function armrest. When used as an armrest, as well as providing a greater feeling of spaciousness for those in the third row, the seat back incorporates two cupholders and a lidded storage box large enough to hold personal music players, games consoles and CDs. It also has an integrated power outlet. When upright, the box becomes a storage recess for those in the rearmost seats.

THREE ROW VERSATILITY
The third row of seats is ingeniously practical. Designed for children or as occasional seats for small adults up to about 1.6m tall, the angle of the backrest has seven adjustment settings and can, of course, be folded completely flat to increase luggage space. The seats split on a 50/50 basis and each can be folded away simply by pulling on a single strap: there is no need to remove head restraints first.

The addition of a third row of seats allows families the option of transforming their Qashqai+2 into a spacious family car into the 'kids bus', for those busy days out playing sport or weekends away which can be a logistical nightmare for parents, worried about whether the family, kids and their friends, as well as all their baggage will fit.

When folded away, there's a large flat loading area left behind which provides almost 500 litres of potential luggage capacity, an increase of 90 litres over Qashqai. The new rear door and revised interior panels mean the loading height has been reduced by 13 mm to 770 mm while, at 1186 mm, the opening width is a remarkable 224 mm wider.

Unlike many seven-seat vehicles, Qashqai+2 has a full depth roller-blind style tonneau cover. With the rearmost seats folded it can be used conventionally but if the third set of seats are to be occupied, it can be removed and stowed in a special compartment under the boot floor. Like the extra pair of seats, therefore, the tonneau can remain in the vehicle at all times.

The lid of the underfloor stowage area, meanwhile, can also double as a cargo divider so fragile shopping - eggs or bottles for example - can be safely loaded where it won't be damaged by heavier items. The load area is set off by a stylish stainless steel kick plate which offers protection to the leading edge of the boot floor when loading heavy items.

RIDE & HANDLING
Mechanically, Qashqai+2 follows the lead set by the original model. That means a stretched version of Nissan's C-platform featuring strut-type front suspension with combined coil-over-strut assemblies and a forward lower link. The suspension assembly is mounted on a subframe which is attached to the body via compliant rubber bushes to isolate road noise and vibration from the platform, improving both refinement and ride comfort. A front anti-roll bar is attached directly to the strut assembly for more effective control of body roll under cornering.

A fully independent multi-link rear suspension has been used for precise handling and high-speed stability. Attached to the vehicle via a rigid rear subframe to keep unwanted noise and vibrations to a minimum, the compact assembly features an aluminium rear upper link to reduce weight: the saving is in the region of 4 kg.

The extra length and equipment found in Qashqai+2 has raised the overall weight of the vehicle by approximately 100 kg. Suspension settings have been revised to take account of the extra weight, while steering assistance - all Qashqai models use electric power steering - has also been retuned.

ALL-MODE SAFETY
Two versions of the chassis are available, offering the choice of front-wheel drive or sophisticated ALL-MODE four-wheel drive.

Developed by Nissan, the ALL-MODE system - which is available on 2.0-litre diesel and petrol models - allows secure and relaxed driving with advanced electronics taking care of all traction needs, ensuring that Qashqai+2 has grip at all times no matter how severe the conditions. Unlike some other automatic four-wheel drive systems, ALL-MODE uses advanced electronics rather than hydraulic pumps to ensure drive is transferred between wheels and axles the instant the need arises.

Under normal conditions, Qashqai+2 operates in front-wheel drive which reduces energy losses and saves on fuel. The instant wheel slippage is detected however, a centre clutch in the rear final drive is electronically activated and drive is correctly apportioned between front and rear axles.

The system has three modes, selected via a switch on the centre console. In two-wheel drive mode, the system is permanently set in front-wheel drive, ideal for fine weather on-road use. When the Lock setting is pushed, however, the system switches to permanent four-wheel drive mode with drive split 57:43 front to rear.

The most practical mode, however, is 'select-and-forget' Auto, in which the system is left to its own devices. Sensors linking the engine's ECU with the four-wheel drive and ABS controller constantly monitor wheel slippage and automatically send signals to the electromagnetic centre clutch mounted just ahead of the rear axle to apportion torque correctly.

Left in Auto, the system will automatically compensate for unexpected slippery conditions on-road, such as wet leaves in autumn, early morning winter ice or loose gravel at any time of the year.

ALL-MODE is inextricably linked to Bosch's eighth generation Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Using sensors linked to the brakes, steering, wheels and the body itself, ESP constantly monitors the way the car is being driven.

In its customer research, Nissan found clearly that existing Qashqai owners who have opted for the ALL-MODE versions enjoy the feeling of confidence and security that the discreet, unobtrusive all-wheel drive system gives them when driving in marginal conditions.

Given its family orientation, customers will appreciate the availability of ALL-MODE on Qashqai+2 thanks to the reassurance it will offer in almost all road conditions that the driver and occupants are likely to find themselves in.

From the steering angle and wheel speeds, ESP calculates what manoeuvres the driver intends to perform and from signals from the yaw-rate and lateral acceleration sensors ESP recognises whether the vehicle might skid off course. In an emergency ESP reacts swiftly, and by selectively applying the brakes at each wheel ESP 'steers' the vehicle in the desired direction.

Qashqai+2 has other electronic control systems, including cornering brake control (CBC) and enhanced understeer control (EUC) in which the system applies the brakes to all four wheels to reduce excessive understeer. Hydraulic fade compensation (HFC) prevents brake fade after a period of heavy brake usage.

The braking system is essentially unchanged from Qashqai, though the adoption of standard 17-inch alloy wheels on 2.0-litre versions has permitted the fitment of larger rear brakes.

THE RUNNING GEAR
Qashqai+2 offers a choice of two petrol and two diesel versions. The entry-level petrol is a lightweight all-aluminium unit displacing 1598 cc, developing 115 PS (84 kW) and 160 Nm of torque. It has four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, multi-point port injection and vane-type continuous intake cam phasing.

Top of the petrol range is another all-aluminium 16-valve design, this one displacing 1997 cc and developing 140 PS (103 kW) and 200 Nm of torque. Some 90 per cent of that torque is available from 2000 rpm providing the accelerative 'punch' more usually expected in larger engines.

Almost as compact as the 1.6 engine, among its key design features is a notable reduction in internal friction. A mirror-like finishing technique is applied to the surfaces of the crankshaft pin journal and the cam lobe journal and to a new machining method that ensures truly circular bores is used: this procedure is common practice in the machining of bores of racing engines but is seldom used in volume production engines.

The entry-level diesel uses the most powerful version of Alliance partner Renault's acclaimed 1.5 dCi (K9K) engine developing 106 PS (78 kW) and 240Nm of torque. A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is also fitted as standard. Praised for its fuel efficiency and low noise, it features a flexible flywheel to filter out the effects of acyclic movements. Specifically developed to comply with Euro 4 legislation the engine has a lowered compression ratio (16:1) and a variable geometry, multi-blade turbocharger.

The 2.0 dCi is equipped with a Bosch piezoelectric-controlled injection system to develop 150 PS (110 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. Piezoelectric technology gives fast, very precise control allowing a 'five squirt' injection cycle: two pre-squirts, one main squirt and two post-squirts.

The pre-squirts improve engine acoustics by minimising the characteristic diesel clatter. The post-squirts sustain the main injection combustion, to burn off soot and thus bring down pollutant emissions before the exhaust gases have even left the combustion chamber.

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) produces a controlled temperature rise in the combustion chamber to reduce pollutant emission levels (NOx) and thus enhance the engine's overall environment performance. The 2.0-litre diesel engine is also equipped as standard with a DPF.

Transmission options include a five-speed manual (1.6-litre petrol), six-speed manual (2.0 petrol and both diesels), six-speed automatic (4WD 2.0 dCi) and, uniquely in its class, a highly efficient CVT transmission option on the 4WD 2.0-litre petrol offering a choice between 'stepless' changes or a manual over-ride with six fixed ratios.

EQUIPMENT
Following the lead set by Qashqai, the new family version is available in three different trim and equipment versions - the now familiar Visia, Acenta and Tekna levels.

Depending on the version, standard equipment includes automatic lighting, automatic wipers, speed sensitive door locking, cruise control, privacy glass, electric windows, parking sensors, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and Nissan's Intelligent Key. Manual or automatic air conditioning incorporates mild flow ventilation while to provide sufficient airflow for the rearmost passengers, a larger compressor is fitted.

Subtle interior mood lighting is available, while all models benefit from ample storage opportunities, including an under seat drawer, large glovebox and door pockets. Also standard are the full-length panoramic glass roof and roof rails.

All audio systems - a single disc CD/radio, an in-dash six disc changer/radio or a full navigation system with in-dash six disc CD autochanger - incorporate Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone integration allowing remote operation of the phone and caller ID display. The audio system also has a standard auxiliary input connection for MP3 players and other external audio devices.

Qashqai+2 is equipped with six airbags (front, side and curtain), seat belt pretensioners in the front and active headrests.

Popular options include embossed leather trim and the advanced satellite navigation system incorporating a seven-inch full colour display (which doubles as the display for the rear parking camera) and voice recognition.

"Qashqai+2 adds a new dimension to the range and makes it even more versatile than the original. It will appeal not just to larger families, but also to anyone who appreciates its distinctive looks and commanding seating position as well as its extra space and flexibility," says Pierre Loing, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan Europe.

"While some sales will come from current or potential Qashqai owners, we are confident the majority will be conquest sales from owners currently stuck with a conventional compact MPV: they appreciate the style and dynamism of the original Qashqai but need the extra seats of an MPV... no matter how dull it might be. With Qashqai+2 they can now have the best of both worlds."

The UK of course went through its own Malaise Era, after the war. It was a time of weak tea and Kingsley Amis novels, before the Swingin' Sixties episode. And now there's a building sense that the bad times are returning and that carmakers who can't get with the the UK's increasingly aggressive environmental policies are on the wrong side of history. That's the takeaway from British Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling's announcement that his first budget will tax high-emissions vehicles and, consequently, reward consumers for choosing low-emission rides.

If Britons really want to get into the spirit of things, however, they'll forgo cars altogether and start riding bicycles in emulation of Philip Larkin, the nation's once-celebrated poet of misery and deprivation, who's due for a restoration if things keep going the way they are. This was a man, after all, who lamented in verse an England where "...all that remains/For us will be concrete and tyres."

[Reuters]

The initial use of the technology is to monitor the HOV lanes and prevent hoodlums from illegally driving in the lanes, but government officials are interested in the technology to monitor overall traffic and highways during peak times like rush hour. I guess the solution would be to fill that inflatable doll with pig's blood to fool the cameras into thinking you are really traveling with another person, but if you're that desperate you should really just look into leaving a bit earlier. [BBC]
(Image)

That's right, you know — the common folk who drive "Band G" cars with CO2 emissions of 226 g/km or above — drivers of "everyman" cars like the Porsche Cayman S, 911 Carrera Coupe, 911 Targa 4, and — oh bloody hell — every car Porsche makes. OK, we're tweaking Porsche a bit, especially because somehow we feel like those who've bought a Porsche can probably afford the new charge. But we agree with Porsche — this type of legislation that only causes a minor reduction in CO2 emissions does more to stymie real efforts than encourage them by causing bureaucrats to spend more time defending their actions than making real changes. Example A would be the response from the Mayor's office — which we've helpfully included along with the Porsche judicial challenge below. (Hat tip to Kyle and Stoatmaster!)

PORSCHE PRESS RELEASE:

Porsche announces intention to start judicial review process against Mayor and Transport for London over unjust 3000% congestion charge increase

Porsche Cars Great Britain has announced its intention to make an application for judicial review of the proposed extension in the London congestion charge, which will see the cost of driving some cars in the capital rise from £8.00 a day, or just 80p if they are residents in the congestion zone, to £25.00 a day.

Porsche believes the proposed increase in the congestion charge for Band G cars is unfair, that the increase - 3025% for Central London residents - is 'disproportionate' and that it will do nothing to achieve the stated aim of decreasing emissions in central London.

Commenting on the Porsche action, Andy Goss, Managing Director of Porsche Cars GB, said, "A massive congestion charge increase is quite simply unjust. Thousands of car owners driving a huge range of cars will be hit by a disproportionate tax which is clear will have a very limited effect on CO2 emissions."

Porsche will be writing to the Mayor this week. The Mayor will then have 14 days to respond to Porsche. If the Mayor fails to respond to Porsche's letter or refuses to reconsider his plans, Porsche intends formally to submit its application for judicial review at the Royal Courts of Justice summary of the judicial review process is given in a separate document to accompany this release).

Mr Goss added, "Not only is this rise completely unfair to many drivers, but it will also damage London based-businesses of all sizes, and successful people from across the world will start to think twice about basing themselves here if they think they are going to be used as cash cows for City Hall. The proposed increase will be bad for London as a whole and will send out the signal that it is not serious about establishing itself as the best place in the world to do business."

Statement on Porsche challenge to CO2 charge
19-2-2008 112
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: "Porsche's threatened legal action is a double attack on Londoners. First Porsche are trying to deprive Londoners of their democratic right to decide in the Mayoral election on 1 May whether they want gas guzzling and polluting cars to drive in London when there is absolutely no need for them to do so. Second they are trying to impose on all Londoners unnecessary levels of pollution and greenhouse gases by a tiny minority. No one is allowed to throw their rubbish in the street and Porsche should not be allowed to impose gas guzzling polluting cars on Londoners who do not want them."

MAD has since announced that a new zero-tolerance policy will be initiated (what policy was active prior?) to eliminate every traffic camera in the country. All we've got to say is — stop being a baby about having to go the speed limit in your 1995 Volkswagen. [Engadget]

The artist, who has also been responsible for some other unique pieces of art, said "I get lots of fishy looks but I have a whale of a time driving it - until I try to park. It's just too big and that's no fisherman's tale." We'll take one in Rainbow Trout. [BBC]

First Four-Door Electric Car Approved for UK From ZAP

November 20, 2007: 03:30 AM EST

Based in Santa Rosa, California, ZAP is now expanding distribution for the Xebra and other electric vehicles worldwide. The Xebra is targeted towards government, corporate and utility fleet use as well as daily urban commuting for multi-car families and is now available at a price of just over US$10,000. [CNN Money]

The company claims the prize was only intended for British nationals, and the mama and papa are Russians and were only visiting the UK for special care. This seems kind of cheap to us, but at least Kia is letting them borrow a Carens MPV (Rondo) during their stay in in the UK. [What Car]

Press Release:
We are delighted to announce the exciting arrival of the new, all British Farbio GTS.

Now in production at our factory near Bath, the stunning Sports Car has a full carbon fibre body, space framed chassis, complete flat underfloor (incorporating a rear diffuser), giving the GTS an exceptional aerodynamic grip level. It has exquisite, flowing lines and an understated elegance combined with style, giving a truly refined sports car with outstanding performance.

Base price is £59,925 for the normally aspirated model and £71,675 for the Supercharged version.

The car is mid-engine ranging from a 262bhp normally aspirated model with 0 - 60mph in 4.8 seconds (est), up to 384bhp for the Rotrex Supercharged version with 0 - 60mph in 3.9 seconds (est).

The Farbio GTS has an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 360bhp per ton (250bhp per ton for the normally aspirated car). It is lightweight, weighing in at a nimble 1066kgs for the Supercharged model and 1048kgs for the normally aspirated version.

Brakes are AP Racing with Four Pot Callipers, 350mm vented front discs and 328mm rear, giving immense braking capabilities.

Suspension is fully adjustable dampers with Eibach coil-over springs to give the car an exciting, precise driving experience - a feature omitted from many modern day sports cars.

GTS customers will be able to tour in comfort with the spacious, ergonomic interior, with fully adjustable Sparco reclining seats allowing for a 6'6" driver. The controls have an easy accessibility with the touch-screen featuring satellite navigation, air conditioning and sound system as standard.

Long distance touring is made easier due to the 76 litre fuel tank and 220 litre boot capacity, which can incorporate a full size set of golf clubs or luggage.

Farbio Sports Cars has the benefit of an £11million order book for the next three years with customers from the UK, USA, Scandinavia and Thailand. Our UK waiting list is currently 8 months at the time of going to press.

"The truth is I was so busy I did not have time to deal with sorting the congestion charges, paying my road tax and getting my car out of the pound.

"I have been setting up a new business and, as you can imagine, it requires all my focus. I have been running around the world raising money for my fund and setting it up.

"When I left my previous job at Deutsche Bank, I lost my PA. She had always organised all of these domestic things for me. For a while I did not have a PA but now I have one, so this will get sorted out."

This petition asks for the banning of the use of cars for private use, so taxis etc. would still be allowled [sic]. This will cut CO2 emmissions and reduce the effects of global warming. It will also create a better envirinment for all to live in with less noise, road deaths & fumes. Public transport should be massively improved to meet new demand created from this action.