Autoblog UK

The impressive Alfa Romeo MiTo will certainly turn your head. It's the same with an attractive woman. In both cases, we often say, "What a beautiful body...!" When a powerful engine wrapped in a fascinating form drives past, it's a feast for the eyes and a delight to the senses. Jeans are often the perfect wrapping for a woman's long legs. With that in mind, the two fashion designers, Bjork and McElligott, who are based in London and have already created a number of outfits for a variety of personalities, have now brought out a limited edition MiTo collection. The result is perfection...

The Nürburgring now boasts yet another attraction: last weekend, the first Ferrari Store in Germany was duly opened by the team's star drivers Felipe Masse and Kimi Räikkönen in the run-up to the Formula One GP. Visitors to the shop are obviously in for a red-carpet reception. This retail outlet for Ferrari fans is the tenth of its kind around the world. The first three shops were located in the prestige marque's mother country of Italy (Milan, Rome and Venice). Other prime sites in Europe are London and Barcelona, with a couple more branches in the States (Miami and San Francisco). The Nürburgring is the third in a tranche of new stores that has also included Macao and Abu Dhabi. You can see pictures of the ceremony in the gallery below.

On 11th June 2009 in New York, a number of rare pieces belonging to film legend Steve McQueen will be auctioned. At the Antiquorum Important Collectors' Wristwatches Auction, McQueen's legendary chronograph, Monaco, will go under the hammer. He wore this watch whilst making Le Mans, the film about racing drivers, in 1971.The Monaco chronograph by Tag Heuer was brought out in 1969 to mark the Monaco Grand Prix. It features a square case, gleaming blue dial, white totalisers and red chronograph pointer. Tag Heuer recently reissued the chronograph on its 40th anniversary, in honour of Steve McQueen. Shortly after filming Le Mans, McQueen gave the watch to his financial adviser at the time, as a gift. It is estimated that the watch could fetch between 10,000 und 20,000 US dollars. Given McQueen's large fan base, this figure could actually be considerably higher.

At Easter, for some strange reason, we all become fixated on bunny rabbits – well almost all of us. At Honda, they also spare a thought for the four-legged friends who loyally accompany their four-wheeled owners. At the New York Auto Show, the Japanese car maker is exhibiting the 'Dog Friendly Honda Element Concept'. By which they mean the components that turn a trip for a pooch into an exclusive excursion. It starts with a convenient ramp for boarding and alighting. A nicely padded couch on a raised platform turns even the longest journey into a pleasurable outing. A ventilator ensures fresh air and agreeable temperatures at all times. And there are a host of additional features to excite our canine companions.

Now Nissan are nailing their colours to the eco mast with the latest concept bearing their prestigious Infiniti badge. The Essence is a luxury coupé powered by a hybrid drive and is intended to show the way ahead for all future Nissan models. The characteristic radiator grille with prominent Infiniti logo immediately catches the eye. Further external features are the mighty aluminium wheels, the curvaceous contours and side windows that practically meet the roofline. The windscreen blends almost seamlessly into a glass roof that slopes gently down towards the boot. Instead of door handles, the Essence has push-buttons recessed into the bodywork and mini cameras to replace the external mirrors on the A-pillars.

At the heart of the concept is, of course, the hybrid powertrain. This is a combined petrol engine and electric motor generating a total output of 600bhp. The Essence additionally incorporates new safety systems devised by the manufacturer. As the boot has been designed to be particularly luggage-friendly, Infiniti are supplying a special free gift with each car: a customised set of cases from French luxury label Louis Vuitton.