Autoblog UK

Never before has such a senior figure in the Volkswagen hierarchy spoken so openly about a possible involvement of the company in F1 racing. Ex-Formula One driver and VW spokesman Hans-Joachim Stuck didn't beat about the bush: "When you're the biggest automotive manufacturer in the world, you obviously need to give careful consideration to Formula One. But not before 2012." Stuck was in the USA last week and watched the grand finale to the NASCAR season in Florida. While he was there, he had discussions with the sport's top brass. One possible option that VW could be considering is the Grand-Am Series which also comes under the NASCAR umbrella.

Nowadays, it seems to be regarded as good form to fill niches. With their X1 model, BMW have created a highly dynamic 'just-about' SUV that is positioned somewhere below the X3, reflects our modern lifestyle and extends the model range. So that ought to attract a few more purchasers to the marque. And yet, you can't help asking yourself whether quite a few of these potential customers might not equally have gone for the 3 Series Touring or the X3, which would already qualify them as BMW clientele anyway. Cannibalistic practices of this kind are not new and may well have been factored into the decision making process. It will be interesting to see the extent to which this gamble pays off or whether the Munich-based carmaker has bitten too deeply into its own flesh this time.

The French keep their word. Motor manufacturer Renault announced recently that the Gordini name was to be used once more for a new series of hot hatchbacks. And now the moment has arrived, with the unveiling of the Renault Twingo Gordini RS to the motoring public. This small, compact sporty number with many upmarket features goes on sale in March 2010. The Renault Twingo Gordini RS certainly stands out with its shiny Malta Blue paintwork and twin white stripes. This unique race finish was given to the original Renault Gordini rally cars in the 60s. The latest special edition model is based on the Renault Twingo Sport and is powered by a 133bhp 16-valve petrol engine of 1.6-litre displacement.

The new CTS Coupe is due to arrive in showrooms throughout the USA some time in spring 2010. Cadillac are keeping their options open about a market launch in Europe. This two-door model bears a strong visual resemblance to the design study presented at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2008. At 4.79 metres in length, the 2+2-seater takes the marque's current angular line of styling one stage further. Striking features are the front windscreen sloping at an angle of 62 degrees and a large, almost horizontally inclined rear window. The American designers have dispensed with conventional door handles, preferring touchpad technology to open the vehicle. Underneath the elegant bonnet is a 3.6L direct-injection six-cylinder engine pumping out 311 horsepower.

Dacia are transforming themselves from a budget manufacturer into a lifestyle retailer. Exciting designs such as the Duster, already in the pipeline and now being prepared for launch in 2010, and the bang-up-to-date Sandero Stepway are grabbing attention. The Stepway has already successfully debuted in South America, where it is marketed as a Renault and should appeal to image-conscious customers on a tight budget here in Europe. Boasting Renault engineering, offering a long guarantee and representing excellent value for money, the Stepway is sure to make new friends. Safety equipment is the only area that is wanting, since upgrades are not available as an option. Dacia will have to do better in this respect.

The VW Beetle, the Mini and the Fiat 500 are all brilliant examples of small cars from the good old days that have gained an ever-increasing number of new admirers and buyers after relaunch. The retro trend has been a resounding success for those manufacturers. The next cult car is now in the pipeline. Citroen are to resurrect the 2CV, better known as the 'Duck'. Around five million examples of the Duck sold worldwide between 1948 and 1990. In truth, there's not much left of the old body shape but at first sight, the car looks very zippy. The Citroen DS2's design is largely based on the REVOLTe concept car that so fascinated visitors to September's Frankfurt Motor Show. The treatment of the rear holds the greatest nostalgia value for former fans – it's very accomplished. The lack of a roll-up roof is sure to be addressed in a future model. Expected price is a not unreasonable 13,000 euros, (around £11,700).

Porsche have always operated on the basic principle of supplying thoroughbred driving machines to motoring purists. This is particularly true of the legendary RS models. In its latest incarnation as the 911 GT3 RS, a member of the revamped 997 series, Porsche have once again demonstrated a sense for what is essential, giving customers the option of a lithium-ion battery which, by comparison with the conventional lead battery, offers a weight saving of over ten kilos. However, it seems that they are unable to resist making compromises: electric windows, automatic climate control and radio come as standard. You can specifically 'unorder' the radio and climate control to get closer to the ideal of the unadulterated racer. But why on earth would anyone want electrically operated windows, electrically adjustable mirrors, electric unlocking on bonnet and boot, and central locking? Away with this clutter! Dear Porsche, your new RS is great, but spare us all the gimmicks with this definitive 911. The softies at the luxury end of the market can always buy themselves a Bentley.

Every New Year, sales of calendars boom and men's hearts beat faster at the sight of the glossy pictures produced by Pirelli, Hugh Hefner or some other nice publisher. The month indicated is relatively unimportant. It's the girls that make the year bearable. Of course, it doesn't always have to be naked flesh hanging there on the wall. The sight of heavy construction equipment also appeals to the boy inside of every man. Childhood memories of playing in the sandpit are rekindled. Twelve of these fascinating monsters were photographed by Bauforum24 for Heavy Equipment Calendar 2010. Take a quick look at the gallery...

The Finns are extremely fond of motor sport. Rallying in particular attracts many followers in Finland. Many of us wonder why so many good rally drivers hail from that country. Some say, it's a result of the relative isolation and the huge distances between places: drivers can routinely find deserted minor roads and hone their skills undisturbed. Others think it's the Viking blood coursing through their veins that makes them fearless. Maybe it's simply the sheer boredom of life in Finland that brings out the devil in them. The following video clip shows Finns blithely hurtling around rally stages.

The new compact 5008 MPV is Peugeot's fourth new offering this year. They're really putting their foot down at Peugeot. Despite the credit crunch, new registrations are up for the French manufacturer with the lion on the bonnet. Their success is down to an extensive small-car line-up and a large range of low-emission vehicles, plus their efforts at breaking into new segments of the market, as with the new Peugeot 5008. Pleasing, flexible and offering good value for money, the car takes consumers by surprise. Fans of the marque have had to wait a long time for such an MPV. All good things are worth waiting for... so the saying goes. How true when referring to the 5008.