Articles by Rebeccah Elley

The Twizy can’t come here because the Australian government says it’s a quadricycle, so it can’t drive on public roads. But that hasn’t stopped it from being on the VIP invitation list for New York. The Twizy travelled to the US east coast for some quality time out after starring in a video with top hot DJ David Guetta in Los Angeles. And the little Twizy’s holiday itinerary is packed with the best sightseeing activities NYC has to offer – morning jog in Central Park, art shopping in Soho, food tasting in China Town and a night-time promenade under the lights of Times Square – you name it, this urban baby will see it. We’re hoping the hotel valet at The Standard Hotel has made special A-list arrangements -- perhaps the penthouse suite in the carpark. On its first night in the Big Apple, Twizy kicked up its heels for a night on the town, sashaying down the red carpet at a gala dinner. New Yorkers – normally a hard-to- please crowd – seem so far impressed with the sleek little number. The Renault Blog says, “Twizy got a lot of attention & even received a few love declarations.”  NYC may be enjoying the company of the Twizy, but Renault doesn’t plan to launch Twizy in the USA anytime soon. Although the Renault Blog hints, “just wait and see” – whatever that means.  

Fact – towering Romanian supermodel Catrinel Menghia manhandling the Fiat Abarth, dominating the gear lever and whispering sweet threats in Italian. The World’s Fastest Car Show persuaded Fiat to hand over an Abarth – and the glamourpot Menghia – to star in a commercial for their new season. The long-legged beauty’s car career went wildly viral when she first featured in the ‘Seduction’ ad for the Fiat 500 Abarth – a bit of footage deemed too scorching for mainstream TV. The sexually edgy commercial was aired during the 2012 Super Bowl game.  By the way, this latest ad for The World’s Fastest Car Show also features Justin Bell. We’re telling you that because otherwise we don’t think anybody will notice him.  

Of course we’re looking forward to the epic cars in the next Batfest, but fans will be looking to see if The Bat himself survives. There’s been big interest – and a lot of concern from fans – about the hint of Batman’s death in the noir-ish The Dark Knight Rises trailer. The last instalment of the Batman saga stars the hunky Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne AKA Batman, Anne Hathaway as the sexy spandex-clad Catwoman (fans have questioned the choice) and Tom Hardy as the supervillain Bane. The Dark Knight Rises is the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, so maybe it will be the curtain closer for the hero character of Batman. The Dark Knight Rises hits Aussie cinemas in July.  

Pro drifter Millen screamed onto the track at the mad Streets of Long Beach event, the first hair raising fixture on the 2012 Formula DRIFT calendar. The ace driver soared around corners, sending gravel flying and a thick cloud of dust in his wake. Millen was on great form swerving past a crash in front of him but spun out on the last corner.Just missing that all-mighty first place Millen claimed a worthy 2nd place in the Streets of Long Beach event.

Hyundai says the three years of free navigation map updates to the new generation Hyundai i30 and i40 sedan are a first for the Australian automotive industry. The free updates will also be added to all coming Hyundai cars with sat navs, including fresh stock of current models.  The NAVTEQ MapCare plan includes 7-in colour display, touchscreen, address input, lane guidance, speed limits warning and multi-route planning. “The inclusion of the NAVTEQ Mapcare programme and SUNA live traffic update software confirms we are not only delivering advanced technology in our vehicles, but ensuring our customers are always one step ahead with on-going support and data maintenance,” Hyundai product manager Andrew Tuitahi says. The updates are provided for those who service their vehicle at a Hyundai service centre, allowing for a maximum of two updates delivered on an annual cycle within the three years.   Rebeccah Elley on Google+