This week's motor news in pics

G is for Gorgeous

Infiniti has released the first picture of the new G37 Convertible, which will receive its global debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Based on the G37 Coupé, the G37 Convertible promises beautiful styling and the dynamic performance worthy of an Infiniti G.

Sales have initially been confirmed only for the US market where it will be launched early in 2009. It's currently under study for launch in Europe where it would join its sister G models, the G37 Sedan and Coupé, in Infiniti Centres which begin opening across the Continent from October.

To see a virtual preview of each model in the European range visit www.infinitivisualiser.com.nextpage

Classic car buyers bid strongly

Even in the credit crunch, classic car enthusiasts continue to bid strongly at auction as BCA's latest sale confirms. The company's specialist 'Classics from BCA' department recorded another good result in its most recent sale held late last month at Blackbushe.

Top price on the day went to 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS which sold for £18,425. Finished in the classic colour of Rosso Corsa, this supercar had seen minimal use in recent years and had covered just 27,500 miles from new.

The widely publicised 1996 Jaguar saloon owned by Pink Panther film star Herbert Lom was withdrawn due to a mechanical problem and has been re-entered for BCA's next sale in October.

For full details of previous sales and forthcoming auctions visit www.classic-car-auction.co.uk.

Vanity over vision

Over 3.8 million female motorists put vanity before safety by failing to wear their prescribed specs whilst driving, according to a survey conducted by car insurers Sheila's Wheels.

Their research claims over a quarter of female motorists should wear glasses whilst driving but do not always do so, with 10 per cent of women questioned admitting to feeling embarrassed by how they look in unfashionable specs.

Jacky Brown at Sheilas' Wheels car insurance, commented: "We are urging all women to get regular eye examinations, always wear glasses whilst driving if they need to, and invest in a pair of fashionable prescription sunglasses so they can look fantastic and drive safely when the sun shines. Having good vision is crucial for a safe journey." nextpage

Two's company for new Sedici 4x2

A front-wheel drive version of Fiat's Sedici compact SUV model has just gone on sale throughout Fiat's 168-strong dealer network.

The new Sedici 4x2, priced at £9,999 OTR, has all the style and versatility of its four-wheel drive counterpart, but without its depth of off-roading capability.

A host of standard equipment, including four airbags, electric front windows and door mirrors, remote central locking, ABS anti-lock brakes, power steering, air conditioning and front fog lights all feature as standard on the new two-wheel drive car.nextpage

Dodge launch family-friendly Journey

The front-wheel drive Dodge Journey launches this August with 5+2 seating as standard across the range.

The Journey includes a host of family-friendly features like a tilt and slide flexible seating system, spacious under-floor storage bins and under-seat storage areas, rear doors that open to 90-degrees for easy access when installing child seats, a rear conversation mirror and climate control that operates in all three rows.

The new Dodge comes with a choice of a 2.4-litre petrol engine or a 2.0-litre diesel engine. The diesel engine is available with either a manual or dual-clutch automatic gearbox and will return up to 43.5 mpg (combined cycle).

Prices will start from £16,995. nextpagePrices announced for world's first family crossover

Following on from its debut at the British International Motor Show, Nissan has announced prices for the new Qashqai+2.

The seven-seat capacity Qashqai+2, which goes on sale on September 18, will be priced from £17,199, with optional extra's offered in a series of step-like increments.

The equivalent diesel Visia models are £18,599, £19,999 and £21,099 (automatic transmission), respectively.

Five years in prison for careless drivers who kill

Motorists who kill whilst avoidably distracted at the wheel will face prison under new careless driving laws which come into force on August 18.

The new offences will, for the first time, allow courts to imprison drivers who cause deaths by not paying due care to the road, or to other road users.

Avoidable distractions which courts will consider when sentencing motorists who have killed include using a mobile phone (calling or texting), drinking and eating, applying make-up and anything else which takes their attention away from the road and which a court judges to have been an avoidable distraction.

The new laws will also penalise uninsured, disqualified or unlicensed drivers who kill.

Jaguars wanted for Hackett Beaujolais Run

Organisers of this year's Hackett Beaujolais Run, which takes place in November, are appealing for Jaguar owners to take part.

The Run started in 1976 when the gauntlet was thrown down to Fleet Street to bring back the first bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau - a challenge which caught the imagination of both car and wine enthusiasts.

Director of the Run, Rob Bellinger, said: "We are appealing to Jaguar owners to take part in this years run which takes place from Tuesday November 18th to Friday November 21st and will for the first time will run through the centre of Paris."

To register for this year's event go to www.beaujolaisrun.com

End of the road for driving test impersonators

Impersonators who sit driving tests for others have been issued a severe warning that their action's are being monitored and will result in prosecution with tougher sentencing by the courts.

The DSA has warned that it is committed to the prosecution of offenders in order to preserve public safety and the integrity of the driving test procedure.

As well as a driving qualification, many people seek possession of a full U.K Driving Licence to establish proof of their identity to gain other identity documents and a credit standing within this country.

Andrew Rice, Head of Fraud & Integrity for the Driving Standards Agency said: "Tackling impersonations is a key priority for the Agency as failing to identify offenders presents a significant danger to road safety."nextpageFamilies get more car with Roomster

As families across Britain start planning for their September school run, Skoda is giving away a free trim upgrade on its family-friendly Roomster, putting £1,000 back in its customers' pockets.

Until the end of September, mums and dads can take home the Roomster 2 for the price of the Roomster 1 or the Roomster 3 for the price of Roomster 2, or even a Roomster Scout for the price of a Roomster 3.

Roomster's efficient fuel consumption results in lower day-to-day running costs and reduced environmental impact.

The Roomster 1.4TDI 80bhp can achieve up to 62.8mpg and emit just 139g/km of CO2, providing a cheaper, cleaner drive.