Automotive

Petrol and diesel vehicles are to be banned from a city centre in what is believed to be the world's first Zero Emissions Zone. The new zone in Oxford City Centre will see all petrol and diesel taxis, cars and buses excluded from six central streets from 2020. The area will then be expanded in 2025 and 2030 to encompass the entire city centre, and finally in 2035 HGVs will be banned from the same zone - making it what...

Heavy rain, backseat drivers and spiders or bugs in the car are among the most common motoring distractions, it has emerged. Researchers who carried out a detailed study also found debris on the road, children squabbling in the back and dashboard warning lights lead to drivers taking their eyes off the road. Following the Sat Nav, adjusting the Sat Nav or changing radio stations also made the list as did eating food or consuming drinks whilst steering the vehicle. David...

Driving could become a rare luxury for a large portion of Britain’s motorists, according to a recent survey by the RAC. The slow growth in earning in the UK over the past 12 months, coupled with the cost of running a vehicle has put motorists under financial pressure. Just under half (46%) of respondents to the RAC’s 2017 Report on Motoring survey say driving could become a rare luxury if the costs of owning a car increase. The figure is...

Race car driver Enzo Ferrari coined the term ‘garagistas’ to describe small backyard garages that challenged greater constructions like his own brand of car. These included Cooper and Lotus. Many smaller garages build cars to suit and the classic Q-plate ‘kit car’ is the ultimate big boy’s toy. Whether it’s you undertaking a sole car-building exercise alone, or you are working from a smaller garage, this one could be the answer. Auto Parts Pro is an online website for many car parts....

According to the Office for National Statistics, vehicle-related theft is at its lowest level since the 1980s. That doesn’t mean it’s gone entirely. The statistics also point out that there are certain demographics—namely renters, people with children, and those living in urban areas—who are still far more likely than others to be victims of car theft. Those who fall into these categories should do all they can to protect themselves and their cars. Here are just some of the steps...

This is the moment former Winter Olympian Graham Bell set a world record by being towed across the Arctic Circle at almost 120mph - on SKIS. Bell, 51, braved temperatures of -28C for the daring attempt at Jaguar Land Rover's Arctic Revi Test Centre in Arjeplog, Sweden. After putting on a pair of skis, the Brit was towed by the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake at 117mph - smashing the previous record for 'fastest towed speed on skis' of 70mph. Bell,...

The Ferrari F2001 is described as the most important modern Formula 1 race car and among the most significant competition cars in any collection worldwide. With Michael Schumacher behind the wheel, chassis number 211 crossed the line first in two races during the 2001 season, including at the Monaco Grand Prix. The German driver ended up winning the 2001 F1 Championship, with chassis 211 playing a pivotal role in his victory. A landmark Ferrari F1 car raced to victory twice...

Cars of the future will be bubble-like pods which FLOAT thanks to magnetic levitation, if one award-winning designer has her way. ‘The Float’ concept, which is made using transparent glass, is based around the car becoming more of a social space. It is made up of pods which can be added or removed via a magnetic belt which runs around the exterior. Power is 100 per cent electric and there are no wheels, with The Float moving around via magnetic...

Former supermodel and petrolhead Jodie Kidd is set to launch the first ever nationwide live treasure hunt - for a CAR. The TV presenter was on hand this morning to provide fans with the first clue to the car’s secret location – a trumpet. Those that correctly guess the iconic location of the VW Golf, hidden in plain sight somewhere in the UK, could be rewarded with the keys. With just 36 hours to solve the mystery, potential winners must...