Motoring news round-up

Goodwood has announced that a number of Word Rally Championship teams will be coming to the Festival of Speed in June to take part in the Forest Rally Stage.

Skoda has already said its WRC team will be taking part, but other teams like Mini and Ford haven’t finalised their plans yet, though it’s almost certain they will take part.

Ayrton Senna’s F1 Going to Auction

Ayrton Senna’s Toleman F1 car, made famous when Senna took it to second place in Monaco on his debut, will go to auction on the 16th May at a Silverstone Auctions sale.

The car looks set to sell for more than £1 million, as earlier on in the year Senna’s race suit was sold for £35,650, before his helmet sold for £74,750.

VW CC Goes on Sale

Sales of the new VW CC have begun this week. Prices start at £24,200 for the 1.8 litre, 180 bhp TSI petrol, and rise to £30,200 for the 2.0 litre, 170 bhp, Bluemotion TDI model.

Every CC model, regardless of cost, will come with touch screen sat-nav, a DAB digital radio, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, two zone climate control, 17” wheels, bi-xenon lights, and a brake energy recuperation system.

New Mercedes SL65

Mercedes proved that the V12 isn’t dead yet, unveiling the new SL65 AMG with a twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 630 bhp and more than 740 lb/ft.

Despite the massive power, the new car is 17% more efficient than before and able to achieve 24.4 mpg on the combined cycle.

2012 Budget – What Motorists Can Expect

From the 1st August, fuel tax per litre will rise by 3.02p, meaning fuel prices will probably reach £1.50 before the end of 2012.

Vehicle Excise Duty is also going up in line with the rises in fuel tax.

Seán Ward

Editor,

newmotoring.com