News in Brief

500 firebreather ready for the off

Here’s a Fiat 500 with a sting in its tail! Tuning arm Abarth has created the Assetto Corse for a pan-European one-make race series due to begin in 2009. Only 49 of the pocket rockets will be built, and each features a gaping, low-slung bumper, 17-inch lightweight alloys and a small rear wing. The stripped-out interior gets racing seats and a roll cage, saving 180kg. Under the bonnet, the 1.4-litre engine is turbocharged to give 197bhp and 300Nm of torque. Drivers also get a special Abarth-branded leather bag, comprising overalls, helmet, gloves and shoes.

Cops shopped by speed cam

Here's a case of non-PC behaviour! A Sheffield policeman has been snapped giving speed cameras the thumbs-up... while he was on an emergency 999 call! The stunt meant PC David Mayes had to take both hands off the wheel, and landed him with a £400 fine and a six-month ban from driving. But he’s not the only copper who’s been behaving badly. A firearms officer in Cornwall invented a high-speed chase to escape a speeding ticket. PC Richard Holding was fined £950, but managed to hold on to his licence after claiming he was suffering from post-traumatic stress after serving in Iraq.

Updated Volvos join kit parade

Fresh looks and more kit – that’s what Volvo is offering with its 2009 model line-up. Changes to the C30, S40, V50 and C70 include a larger logo on the tailgate, plus a £200 optional automatic Bluetooth system. The XC70 estate is offered with an updated rear-seat entertainment system and digital TV receiver costing £400 more. Also, the luxury S80 can be fitted with the 2.5T FlexiFuel engine, capable of running on E85 bioethanol. All models can be ordered now for July delivery.