The Government plans to use car-sharing lanes as a key part of its strategy for easing congestion in the future.

However, a proposed outside lane between junctions seven and 10 of the M1 has been scrapped after a feasibility study said it ???could lead to an increase in accidents??™.

The study warned that there could be a danger of vehicles in the conventional outside lane undertaking others in the car-sharing lane, and from police stopping non-compliant vehicles and requiring them to cut across faster traffic.

The study also said that there are no reliable camera systems for checking the number of occupants in vehicles, as much-vaunted blood-detecting cameras that can count the number of people in a car are not installed yet.

A Department for Transport spokesman said the findings didn’t change the Government’s long-term policy, however.

Lancia has dusted off its beloved Delta nameplate and slapped it onto an elegant new five-door hatchback at the Geneva auto show. Fans of the original might be disappointed, since the new Delta puts an emphasis on luxury and not sport.

The original Lancia Delta arrived in 1979. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Delta eventually went from being a boxy four-door family car to a snarling, fat-fendered, four-wheel-drive sports car by the time production ended in 1994.

In race-car form, the Delta racked up win after win and multiple World Rally Championships. Long before the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and Subaru Impreza WRX STI arrived on the boy-racer scene, the Lancia Delta HF Integrale was the ultimate rally-bred street car.

Love it or loathe it, the 2009 Delta has put its aggressive past well behind it. The new Delta has smooth curves, a luxurious interior, and (at least on the show cars) what looks to be vastly improved quality compared with other current Lancia vehicles.

Based on the Fiat Bravo platform, the Delta looks more like a swept-back station wagon than a hatchback. The exterior styling could divide opinion, but the cabin is hard to fault. Rich plastics, leather, and metal accents make it more of a baby Maserati GT than a grown-up Fiat Panda.

Although it might not make a great rally weapon, the classy new Delta could go a long way toward rejuvenating the Lancia brand. Once ensconced as the refined and luxurious arm of the Fiat Group family tree, Lancia has struggled to find an identity and match the financial turnarounds of its sister brands Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati.

A range of turbocharged engines??”both gas- and diesel-powered??”will provide from 120 to 200 horsepower. Customers can also choose from one of three six-speed transmissions: manual, automated manual, and fully automatic. Lancia says its advanced stability-control system and suspension with electronic damping control will make the Delta ???more enjoyable??? to drive.

Is that marketing-speak for fun or simply a way of saying the new Delta won??™t handle like a shopping cart with a wobbly wheel? We hope to find out for ourselves when the Delta goes on sale in mid-2008.

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a luxury-class SUV that offers a 292hp or a 493 hp V8 in its two trim levels, the G500 and the G55AMG. Strikingly different than its stable mates, the G-Class has a square, functional silhouette and is more suited for off-road than its siblings. For 2008, the G-Class undergoes minor exterior enhancements including redesigned tail lights. The interior sports a new steering wheel and freshened instrumentation.

New options are also available this year including a rear-facing video camera to assist parking, hardy leather seating surfaces, and a practical tire pressure monitoring system. Both models are equipped with a 7-0speed automatic transmission and a choice of three locking differentials. Regardless of which model you choose, the G-Class is the alpha and omega of off-road driving.

The engine powering the Mercedes-Benz G500 is a 5.0L, 292hp V8 that generates 336 lb-ft of torque. A standard GPS DVD navigation system compliments the sumptuous wood and leather interior. With heated steering wheel and seats you have a luxurious counterpoint to the go-anywhere spirit of the new G500.

As with any Mercedes wearing the AMG badge, performance vanquishes all competitors. A supercharged 5.5L 493hp V8 has been hand-built to nano-specifications to power the G55AMG. A testament to the Mercedes heritage of precision and performance, the SUV has 4-wheel drive, special sports suspension, and a hearty note that reverberates from its dual side-pipes as it runs the 0-60 in 5.4 seconds.

M.S.R.P. on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class ranges from $83,700 to $107,500 depending on model. You can always comparison shop for the best financing and dealer incentives. The G-Class is a thrill to drive, whether you are an off-road junkie, or a street cruiser, with loads of power, style, and prestige.

At the heart of the Touareg R50 is Volkswagen’s 5.0-litre V10 TDI engine, uprated from 313 PS to produce 350 PS at 3,500 rpm.?  Beyond the power output, the R50’s engine has also been given a boost to produce an extra 100 Nm of torque up to an enormous 850 Nm (627 lbs ft).

These figures translate into on road performance which would embarrass many hot hatches. The R50 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.7 seconds, and can hit a top speed of 146 mph. Yet, despite its extra punch the Touareg R50 has the same fuel economy and CO2 output as the standard V10 TDI (22.4 mpg combined and 333 g/km). It benefits from standard 4XMOTION four-wheel drive channelled through a six-speed auto gearbox.? 

The R50 is priced at ??61,885 (RRP OTR), representing a ??3,885 premium over the previous rang-topper, the Altitude V10 TDI.?  Prices for the Touareg range start at ??29,880.

Only a limited number of Touareg R50s will be available for sale in the UK - priced at ??61,885 (RRP OTR). This represents a ??3,885 premium over the previous rang-topper, the Altitude V10 TDI.

This will mean that the Pininfarina family will lose its majority stake in the Italian car design company and coachbuilder. The family currently controls 55 percent of Pininfarina’s voting shares.
The Pininfarina family will underwrite part of the capital increase and also will rely on the support of new investors, such as French battery specialist Vincent Bollore.
Pininfarina’s troubles reflect difficult times for most Italian coachbuilders. Bertone’s financial woes have been well documented and its latest concept car was not on display at the recent Geneva Show.

The GEN-2 Persona is powered by a 1.6 litre Lotus engineered Campro engine which delivers a maximum output of 110bhp, 148Nm of torque and a top speed of 118mph. All manual transmission models have a five-speed gearbox with a four-speed automatic option also available and superb ride and handling comes courtesy of Proton’s sister company Lotus.

The tempest grey interior is complemented by perfectly flat-folding 60:40 rear seats. Climate control with pollen filter and front and rear electric windows come as standard. Entertainment is provided by an integrated Blaupunkt radio/CD player, with an MP3-capable CD player and four way speaker system.

An Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake Distribution, driver and passenger airbags, side impact protection bars, power assisted steering and reverse distance sensors all come as standard.

The GEN-2 Persona will be available in UK Proton dealerships from the end of March 2008 with Proton offering ??1000 discount off the ??10,795 (MT) and ??11,595 (AT) on the road price.

The affordably priced 2008 Nissan Versa compact is available as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback. Both models are exceptionally spacious for their class and provide ample room in all directions for 4 passengers. Although it is a 5-passenger vehicle, that can get a little tight during long highway rides-which is where the Versa excels. Nissan has raised the quality standards associated with compact cars by providing exceptional fuel economy without sacrificing comfort and convenience. For the 2008 model year, the Versa Sedan SL gains a Sport Options Package that includes a lower body kit.

Both body styles are available as the base model 1.8 S and the more upscale 1.8 SL. The 1.8 S comes with 15-inch steel wheels, power side view mirrors, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, a 4 speaker AM/FM/CD stereo and a split-folding rear seat. The Hatchback models also feature a, a rear windshield wiper and a cargo cover. The Versa 1.8 SL replaces the steel wheels with alloy rims, and upgrades the upholstery while adding power windows and locks, cruise control, keyless entry, a height adjustable driver seat; front and rear armrests, lots of useful storage bins and a 6 speaker audio system with MP3 capabilities and an auxiliary jack. Additional options for the 1.8 S include keyless entry and full power accessories while the 1.8 SL offers an optional Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, satellite radio and a sunroof. Option packages are available for both model that include features such as Bluetooth connectivity, remote keyless entry and ignition, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. The SL can be equipped with a Sport Package, which enhances its sporty appearance with a rear spoiler, side sill extensions and an extended front fascia with fog lights.

The Nissan Versa is front wheel drive and comes equipped with a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine that is rated for 122 horsepower. The standard transmission is a 6 speed manual, however a 4 speed automatic is optional for the 1.8 S and the 1.8 SL can be equipped with a continuously variable transmission. Gas mileage estimates are appreciated by the frugal, with the Versa coming in at 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

The 2008 Nissan Versa incorporates advanced safety, technology and performance attributes to deliver a smooth ride. The Versa’s high quality materials and abundance of features rival some of the more expensive mid size sedans and helps make this fuel efficient compact a commuters dream car.

The 2008 Nissan Xterra offers brisk performance on the street, but this truck-based, midsized SUV was specifically designed for off-road use. Though in concept all SUVs are supposed to offer some off road ability, many simply look athletic while their car based platforms are geared toward everyday use on paved roads and filled with plenty of comfort and convenience features. This is not the case for the daring Xterra, which focuses on off-road performance and is more than capable of handling a variety of rugged terrains thanks to its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, a push button locking rear differential and extra low range gearing. The Xterra does not receive any mechanical changes for the 2008 model year, but does get a few new standard features and a new Technology Options Package that includes Bluetooth and a Rockford Fosgate audio system.

This 5-passenger SUV is available in 4 trims-the X, S, SE and Off Road. The first 3 models in the lineup are offered in both 2WD and 4WD, while the Off Road is 4WD only. The entry level Xterra X comes standard with 16 inch steel wheels, remote keyless entry, an AM/FM/CD stereo system and power windows, door locks and side view mirrors. The S replaces the steel wheels with alloy rims and adds step rails, an adjustable driver seat and an easy to clean cargo area enhanced with 10 utility hooks, each of which can hold up to 110 pounds, and an adjustable channel system in the floor that makes it easier to safely and securely stow your gear. The SE includes 17 inch alloy wheels, an upgraded interior, auto dimming rear view mirror, Bluetooth and a 9 speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system with steering wheel mounted controls. The Off-Road model features high-performance gas shock absorbers, special tires and wheels; skid plates, a locking rear differential and a fold flat front passenger seat. Purchasing the Technology Package for the Off Road model will add most of the creature features found on the SE.

All Xterras are powered by a 261 horsepower, 4.0 liter V6 engine. A 6 speed manual transmission is standard, while a 5-speed automatic is optional for all with the exception of the SE, which comes standard with the automatic transmission. Horsepower and torque are both generous for a midsize SUV and a 4WD Xterra can go from 0 to 60 in just 7.6 seconds. To provide maximum flexibility, the Xterra’s 4WD system features low range gearing and is enhanced with a multimode transfer case that permits both 2WD and automatic 4WD modes. EPA estimates for models equipped with the manual transmission come in at 16 MPG in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

The 2008 Nissan Xterra may not be as refined as many of the other 5 passenger SUVs and cross-overs on the market today, but the ride is comfortable enough for daily use, power is ample and its precise steering makes it fairly easy to maneuver. What it lacks in refinement can be found in its extraordinary off-road capabilities and intuitive features such as electronic hill descent control, which monitors and adjusts the speed at which the Xterra bounds down steep hills, and hill start assist, which prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when started on a hill. Anyone on a budget that is craving an adventurous SUV will find the affordably priced 2008 Nissan Xterra to be an excellent choice both on and off the highway.

Unmistakable style and performance are the calling cards for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, a 2-door sports car with a retractable hardtop roof. Built from the ground up with one goal in mind, the SLK-Class leaves its driver breathless and wanting more. Each of the three trim levels are one more magnificent than the next; the SLK280 with a 3.0L 24-valve V-6 engine; the SLK350 with a 3.5L 24-valve V-6 engine; the SLK55 AMG with a 5.5L SOHC 24-valve V-8 engine.

The 280SLK offers sleek styling and impeccable road manners, with desirable features including a 9 speaker AM/FM stereo with CD. The speed-sensitive volume control adds drama to the starts and stops of the daily commute. Safety features complete the package with anti-lock disc brakes and seat-mounted side-impact airbags with head protection.

Driving that becomes a union of man and machine is made possible in the SLK350 with its tiller-mounted stereo and sensor display controls. From fuel consumption to maintenance interval reminders, the instrumentation on the new SLK-Class keeps you in touch with all of its vital signs. Reaching out into the night with uncanny acuity are the twin halogen projector beams that nearly see around corners.

With an M.S.R.P. of $62,950, the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG with its Sirius Satellite Radio capability and performance-enhanced suspension brings you all anyone could ask for in a premium luxury sports car. Decked out in Storm Red Metallic paint, the optional chrome exterior door handles and front and rear mud guards make your SLK55 AMG a personal statement of your unique style. To enhance the racetrack performance capability of your Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG, consider the AMG Performance Package with 19-inch alloy wheels, precision tuned suspension, and ergonomic steering wheel.

Your Mercedes-Benz dealer would love to assist you by helping you stamp your individual personality into your SLK-Class with an Audio 30 APS navigation system or a set of accessory side skirts or alloy wheels. Plan to have adventures all over the place with your 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class luxury sports car.

The cars have been requested for use by the International Olympic Committee, despite the fact that the anticipated eight million spectators will be told they can arrive by public transport only.

The vehicles will have access to a network of dedicated lanes, which will be closed to other traffic for up to two months. Up to 3000 sets of traffic lights will also be adjusted to ensure that the IOC??™s fleet has stress-free access to all of the Olympic venues.

Jenny Jones, a Green member of the London Assembly, said she was writing to each IOC member and national Olympic Committee asking them to sign a pledge to use public transport rather than cars.