The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence has ordered a fleet of 157 armoured vehicles. The Ridgback is made in the United States. The Ridgback has protection for personnel against mines and roadside bombs and will replace the Land Rover Defenders, which the British Army currently has deployed in the field. The order is part of a larger £150 million contract to upgrade the army's motor pool in the Middle East. The vehicles will be equipped with weapons and communications systems, as well as beefed-up armour. The Ridgback is capable of carrying 12 persons and is equipped with run-flat tires, allowing it to travel at speeds of up to 55 mph on punctured rolling stock.

Hyundai-Kia moves up

The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group was ranked 11th in the world less than a decade ago. The automaker has impressively passed Honda to take fifth position. To climb six positions in just eight years is not a simple accomplishment, as it required stepping over such global automakers as Fiat, Chrysler, PSA/Peugeot, Nissan, and Honda. Hyundai still has a long way before it reaches fourth position, currently held by Ford.

Audi wins efficiency marathon

Eleven A4 models completed the 1,650 km journey from Switzerland to Austria and back on one tank of fuel. After driving 22 hours, the Audi A4 averaged 70.85 mpg. During the journey, it far exceeded the vehicle's official specification of 57.37 US mpg. The worst fuel econ by one of the Audis on the trip was 67.20 mpg. The average speed was between 45 and 50 mph. The amount of fuel left in the tank could have covered a 2,000 km stretch.

Hilux Invincible 200 2008 edition

Toyota has released a more powerful version of its Hilux pickup in Great Britain. The truck power has been raised from 169 bhp to 194 bhp. The Invincible 200 is more powerful than any of its market rivals. The hike in power does not affect fuel consumption or emissions.

The new Hilux flagship enjoys a superior specification, with exclusive two-tone leather upholstery, heated front seats, steel-mesh front grille and black-metallic paint finish. These are in addition to regular Invincible features, including darkened rear glass, full-map touch-screen satellite navigation, scuff plates and metallic-finish alloy wheels. Toyota will only make 500 models.

2010 Honda S2000 replacement

The Honda S2000 has been on the US market since 1999. The next-generation S2000 is rumoured to be powered by a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines, with the four still packing 2.4 litres, but producing around 250 hp, and the larger 3.5-litre unit putting out around 350 hp. While a modestly enhanced 2.4 makes sense as the base engine, we are unsure if a larger, heavier V6 is a good call for a vehicle that prides itself on its 50/50 weight distribution and 8,300 rpm redline.

2008 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

The new Pajero Sport SUV will go on sale starting this fall in selected regions such as Russia, the Asian area, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania. The Pajero Sport will be powered by a choice of three engines: 2.5-litre and 3.2-litre common rail direct injection diesel units, and a 3.5-litre V6 gasolene unit. This cabin, available in either a two-row (five-passenger) or three-row (seven-passenger) seating confi-guration is also very practical with water-repellent seats and a waterproof luggage-compartment floor.

The body of the Pajero Sport is mounted on a new ladder frame to realise high levels of durability and reliability.