Articles by CarsGuide team

It's $1000 more if you want the ABS model when it hits the showrooms. Either way, the new 'Blade launches with Honda adopting a confident position on its handling and technology -- oh, and greater performance. With the aim of improving handling and boosting stability, the 2012 Fireblade features changes to the front and rear suspension. The rear suspension has the additional benefit of the world's first balance-free rear cushion made by Showa while the front features a telescopic inverted fork with an inner tube and a newly adapted Showa big piston front fork. The result of these suspension modifications is significantly improved stability in both damping force and shock-absorbing performance, leading to improved traction and stability in the new Fireblade. A newly designed, 12-spoke, lightweight aluminium cast wheel has been adopted for both the front and rear. Due to the increased number of spokes, rigidity has been further evened out for load received in all directions from the tyre contact points which offers improved feel. Every generation of the Honda Fireblade has been characterised by a look of speed and dynamism, for 2012 these qualities have been further developed to highlight the bike's racing image. With a line-beam headlight and air intake shapes adding even greater sharpness, the new Blade offers a novel and "intrepid" front face. An all-digital LCD meter design offers a racing inspired image offering excellent visibility and high functionality and with a five-level display, the REV indicator linked to a digital tachometer instantly transmits accurate information to the rider. The lightweight and compact, liquid-cooled DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine features a displacement of 999cc. The Programmed Dual Sequential Fuel Injection System (PGM-DSFI) was revisited and enhanced for 2012 to make a sports model that is even easier and more fun to handle. Like its predecessor, the new CBR1000RR is equipped with the Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) ensuring strong and stable handling. The optional feature of Combined ABS, developed as a world first by Honda in 2009, is available.

A UK warranty survey has found that older models of Audi A4, Jaguar XJ, Porsche Boxster, Ford Fiesta and BMW 3 Series are among the cars that are more reliable than their newer versions. The results were from an analysis of 50,000 vehicle insurance policies conducted by Warranty Direct in the UK. Warranty Direct managing director Duncan McClure also points out that newer models are more expensive to repair than their older variants. He says the average repair cost for a Ford Fiesta built between 2002 and '08 is  almost double that paid by owners of a '95-'02 model and recent BMW 3 Series models are three times more prone to picking up brake system problems.

Check out this guy on the lawnmower ... he might have the pillow in the wrong spot.

Adam Carolla and Matt Farah pit the Corvette ZR1 against the Mercedes SLS at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.The Mercedes SLS AMG weighs a little over 1678 kg and is powered by a 6.3L V8 producing 414 kW.This will allow the supercar to hit 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 317km/h.The 1,511 kg Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 does a bit better with its 6.2L V8 producing 469 kW.The extra horsepower allows the Corvette to achieve a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 322 km/h.  

Or tell us about the best thing somebody you know has done. It could be anything from an adventure to an everyday gesture. A wonderful example of friendship. A fantastic place that was visited. A brilliant idea. An example of overcoming the odds. Even proposing. Or having children.You've all been out there doing great things and we want to hear your great stories.Tell us in about 25 words in the comment box below about the 'best thing' and you could be the lucky winner of a $1000 in fuel from Subaru and Carsguide.com.au.We'll be publishing the best stories, and inspiring others to go out and do their best things.Some examples from the Carsguide.com.au team (who aren't allowed to officially enter - sorry about that, folks):Spending a full day in the Hunter Valley learning how to drift a Subaru WRX around the race track. Being able to speed and take the WRX to its limits without breaking any laws was the best thing I have ever done. YvetteBackpacking around Scotland because of the beauty of the country and the freedom of spirit. Perhaps I should add 'hooking up with my girlfriend' -- in case she reads this. MattyGetting married. It was an awesome day and good fun. All the best people you know in the one place at the one time. DennisSailed from the Canary Islands to Barbados on 100ft tall ship... 26 days at sea with no land in sight. Or Hong Kong Rugby Sevens: it was 3 days I can’t remember - but it looked like I had a great time from the photos. NigelHaving my son Hunter, who was conceived in Paris, while my husband and I were on a world trip for 9 months. He's 10.5 years old and I'm so proud of him. He has opinions on everything, but most of all he has a beautiful heart. TraceyVolunteering in the Armenian orphanage in Syria for about a year to teach kids how to use computers and software so they have a better chance of finding a job. LaraHaving a son. He changed my life in ways I could not have believed possible. Paul GoverThis competition has closed, and the judges are considering the entries. Check back here soon for the results.  

The dual-cab range will be joined by a $29,990 cab-chassis option, which Volkswagen says will give more scope to adapt the Amarok in specialised use for fleets and farms. The entry-level two-wheel drive takes the fuel miser level down to 7.4L/100 with the TDI340, a 2.0-litre turbodiesel developing 103kW of power at 3750rpm and 340Nm of torque between 1750-2250rpm. The petrol addition is the 2.0-litre TSI300 - $30,590 in dual-cab version - which develops 118kW of power at 3750rpm and 300 Nm of torque from a low 1600rpm, with fuel economy claimed at 9.6L/100 km on the combined cycle. Both engines are mated only to a six-speed manual transmission. But there’s good news for auto fans further up the range. The dual-cab is about to match an eight-speed automatic with the new 132kW/420Nm turbodiesel with 4Motion permanent all-wheel drive system. Inside the cabin, the feature list has grown to include daytime running lights standard across the range, a multifunction steering wheel as an option on base model and Trendline and standard on Highline and Ultimate models – with the latter also getting heated seats.

Victoria’s peak auto industry body, the VACC, advocates that Federal and State Governments identify the automotive industry as one that receives financial assistance. However, in return for the investment, VACC calls for more transparency regarding the terms of the negotiated deal between the interested parties. In a statement, VACC pointed to Prime Minister Julia Gillard recently confirming $34 million to support Ford Australia in return for continuing to make cars in Melbourne and Geelong until at least 2016. Federal Manufacturing Minister, Kim Carr, is reported to be working to keep GM Holden in Australia until 2020 with a $100 million package, the VACC statement adds. VACC, with 5,000 members in the retail, service and repair sector of the automotive industry, supports the Government intervention and calls for continued Federal and State Government ‘backing’ to ensure the future of automotive production in this county. “In November, I said that in horse racing terms, local manufacturers are stayers, capable of running the distance. I also said that we absolutely need manufacturing, including vehicle manufacturing, and that it should be further fostered with targeted financial assistance generated from the mining and resources boom. I stand by those comments again today,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said. “Australia should be proud of its automotive industry and its contribution to the economy. " "The Victorian automotive industry alone has a turnover of $41billion and employs approximately 76,000 people. In 2011, one million calendar-year vehicle sales were achieved in this country for only the fourth time in history. According to official VFACTS data, a total of 1,008,437 new passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were delivered to customers during 2011. “We clearly have an appetite for cars in Australia and while other countries seem to unashamedly invest in their stronger manufacturers, here we are more reserved. The Government should not be afraid to ‘pick winners’ and to ensure everything is done to ensure selected manufacturers are provided with every possible advantage.   “However, where I believe there needs to be an improvement is in relation to the transparency of the negotiated deals between Governments and manufacturers. As tax payers, we deserve to know what to expect in return for the investment. Any negativity surrounding large scale investment announcements would be abated if the industry, media and wider community were fully informed of the benefits of the agreements,” Mr Purchase said.

The Accent oiler will hit the showroom floors only in Active spec, with a starting price of $19,490.  The turbodiesel unit - the first in the Accent line-up – is a new 1.6-litre engine with common rail direct injection (CRDi) fuel system, intercooled with variable geometry turbo (VGT). It develops 94kW of power at 4000rpm and 260Nm of torque between 1900-2750rpm.  The engine is mated to either Hyundai’s six-speed manual, or for an extra $2000 the four-speed electronic automatic transmission – which features a lock-up torque converter, overdrive and driver style adaptation programming. Hyundai claims the combination of CRDi and VGT enables the diesel to deliver fuel economy of 4.4L/100km in a combined cycle of driving with the manual transmission sedan and 4.5L/100km for the hatch, with the automatic versions both coming in at 5.6L/100km. Safety equipment for the Active spec level includes six airbags, vehicle stability management, electronic stability control and traction control systems. The four-channel, four-sensor anti-skid braking system also has electronic brakeforce distribution that adjusts brake effort to compensate for uneven loading of cargo or passengers.

Maersk and the US Navy are testing the biofuel on an extended voyage of the container ship Maersk Kalmar. The biofuels test is the first collaboration between Maersk and the U.S. Navy's Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). During its month-long, 6500 nautical mile voyage from Bremerhaven, Germany to Pipavav, India, the ship will use 30 tons of biofuel. Engineers and crew onboard are testing blends ranging from 7 to 100 per cent. The team is also analyzing emissions data on NOx (nitrogen oxides), SOx (sulphur oxides), CO2 and particulate matter from the fuel use, along with effects on power efficiency and engine wear and tear. Maersk Kalmar has two key attributes that make it a suitable vessel for biofuel testing. The 300 meter-long container ship has a dedicated auxiliary test engine, which reduces the risks of testing, and its fuels system has a special biofuel blending equipment and separate tanks. These programs fit well with the Navy's interests in increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.