Autoblog UK

1. What is autogas?

Autogas, also known as LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), is a liquid mix of propane and butane stored under pressure, which is a by-product of oil and natural gas extraction and the refining of crude oil. Campers use LPG for heating, refrigerating and cooking. It should not be confused with natural gas (CNG – Compressed Natural Gas).

The French manufacturer has now allowed a glimpse into the interior design of the new Citroen DS models. The new DS specification will take pride of place in the range of each respective model, and its individual bodywork design and special equipment level should certainly pull in the punters. The first model in the DS range will be based on the C3. Known as the DS3, it should reach the dealers some time next year.

On the inside, the concept car is notable for its use of high-grade materials. Chrome details, luscious carpets and light-coloured dashboard create an impression of real quality. The special seats are unusually deep and boldly contoured, and there is a light, lustrous look to their leather covering. Together with the small, tilted steering wheel, this gives the interior a definite sporty feel.

Just after 7.30pm on Saturday evening Nigel Moore drove into the pits after completing his first run in the Le Mans 24 Hours, making history in the process.

The 17-year-old, who is racing for Team LNT in a Ginetta Zytek, became the youngest British driver to compete at Le Mans and marked the latest stage in a remarkably meteoric rise in motorsport.

Three years ago Moore was racing in karts before winning a British Racing Drivers Club scholarship to compete in the Ginetta GT Junior series, which he won. He followed this with the Ginetta G50 Cup in 2008, winning 14 of the 20 races and also broke into the British GT4 Championships. Not bad work for someone born in 1992.

European fans of the Mazda MX-5 roadster will be converging on Le Mans over the weekend of 13th -14th June to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this compact classic. More than 200 owners have already signed up for the occasion. The jamboree has been jointly organised by the European Mazda fan clubs to coincide with the 24-hour race staged at the famous circuit in northern France.

Mercedes-Benz have brought out a new collection of exclusive and technically sophisticated bicycles. Alongside a mountain bike and a limited-edition, high-spec racing bike, the carmaker has also unveiled a folding bike of unique design. This model impresses by virtue of its patented folding mechanism which is amazingly easy to operate. Opening it up or packing it away takes only a few seconds and requires no special tools. In addition, Mercedes-Benz have paid careful attention to their existing bicycle range and incorporated some detailed improvements.

Honda will be presenting a special series of the Civic Type R with white bodywork. This "Championship White Edition" first took its bow at the Geneva Motor Show and as a contrast to the white bodywork, the door handles, tank filler cap, radiator grille and exclusive four-digit type badge are finished in a dark chrome design. This new top model of the Type-R series has 18-inch tyres and the well-known two-litre engine with 201bhp and a maximum revving limit of 3,000rpm, and costs 28,990 euros.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo is threatening to withdraw from Formula One. His stated reason is the rule change for the 2010 season which will impose a ceiling on budgets. The teams have a choice between sticking with the previous uncapped system or contesting the championships within a strictly imposed upper limit of 40 million GBP. Those who agree to be bound by the budget cap will have a certain technical leeway that will not be granted to the big spenders.

Ferrari see this as an attempt to set up a two-tier Formula One, an idea that they find unacceptable. The scarlet-liveried outfit from Maranello are the longest-serving team in Formula One with a history dating back to 1950. Since then, they have won the drivers' championship 15 times and have 16 constructors' titles to their credit. Meanwhile, there have also been vociferous protests from Toyota, Red Bull and Renault. The next round of discussions is due to take place soon. It is by no means certain that agreement can be reached. However, it is hard to imagine Formula One without Ferrari.