Currently reading: The week in one story
The week in one story

This week's biggest story was the launch of the diminutive new Smart ForTwo.

The original Smart has become hugely popular in cities, thanks in no small part to its big character. The new car looks likely to continue that success. It's a little longer, and now has a bigger engine, but there's no mistaking it for anything but a Smart.

Right at the other end of the scale from the ForTwo is the turbocharged Bristol Fighter T. This power-crazed British machine promises more power than even the Bugatti Veyron, with an output of 1012bhp and 1036lb ft. Unrestricted, Bristol reckons it could hit 275mph, but they've thoughtfully restrained it to a "more than sufficient" 225mph. If you've got a spare £300,000 or so, you can order one for next year.

Back in the real world, Matt Prior drove the new Seat Leon Cupra. With 237bhp from its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot, this Spanish slingshot is quite a lot of fun. Unfortunately it's also quite expensive, at just £800 less than the even more fun and more refined (if less powerful) Golf GTi.

We also sampled the new Toyota Auris, which replaces the Corolla next year. It's a big step on for the world's best-selling car.

Also taking a big step on this week was Bernd Pischetsrieder, who was ousted from his position as boss of Volkswagen. It was a big shock for the industry – and quite possibly for Pischetsrieder, too, as earlier this year his contract was extended until 2012.

Next week, we'll be bringing you news of the 2007 Car of the Year. This year's shortlist had eight cars instead of the usual seven, as the judges couldn't make up their minds. Let's hope they settled on a winner.

Until then, we can't think of a better way of spending some time this weekend then watching our sensational video of Chris Harris driving the Porsche RS Spyder Le Mans car. Hope you enjoy it.

Add a comment…