Ferrari has released more photographs and information regarding its 458 Italia model, which is due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year.

The car’s main commands are grouped on the steering wheel, with secondary controls in pods at either side of the dashboard.

According to Ferrari, there are also "comprehensive instrument displays on the panel ahead of the driver".

It notes that the layout both enhances driver safety and maximises control.

"All steering-column mounted stalks have been eliminated, with the indicators, full beam, flash and windscreen wiper functions now being activated by buttons on the steering wheel boss," Ferrari added.

The new model is the manufacturer’s latest reincarnation of the rear-engined berlinetta-style motor and combines cutting technology with traditional Italian style.

With its suspension featuring twin wishbones, it offers maximum roadholding performance and superlative handling

Italian car manufacturer Alfa Romeo has introduced two new Euro 5-compliant engines for its Alfa 159 range.

In addition, the company announced that the Alfa Brera and Alfa Spider will benefit from these parts later in the year.

The new Alfa Romeo 159 1750 TBi is lightweight and boasts variable valve timing, which brings "new levels of drivability to the Alfa 159 range".

"Perfectly complementing the current engine line-up, the new 16-valve, twin overhead camshaft 1742 cc petrol unit brings keen fuel efficiency to Alfa 159 Saloon and Sportwagon versions, along with lower CO2 emissions, down to 189 g/km," the manufacturer noted.

Furthermore, the new 2.0 JTDM powerplant develops 170 bhp available at just 4,000 rpm and boasts advance multijet technology.

To coincide with the launch of these, the firm has introduced a new range structure now featuring five trim levels – Turismo, Turismo Sport, Elegante, Lusso and TI.

In related news, Alfa Romeo celebrated its 99th birthday earlier this year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Car, truck and commercial vehicle manufacturer Isuzu has helped the family of a trooper killed in Afghanistan to raise £6,000 for charity.

The company pledged its support after being contacted by a relative of soldier James Munday who was killed in action.

His cousin Jenice Forde was keen to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those on the front line and organised a fundraising event in aid of Help the Heroes and the Household Calvery’s own charity.

The event, which took place recently, involved a sponsored drive-out and barn dance.

Thanking Iauzu for its help in the fundraising effort, Ms Forde said: "We were devastated when James died and I wanted to do something that would keep his name alive."

In related news, car maker Subaru also ventured out into the community this summer, when it hosted an event at the Wyevale Garden Centre on Cressing Road in Braintree.

Buyers of new or used cars should be wary of stolen vehicles and recognise the signs of a dodgy deal.

This is the opinion of vehicle data company HPI, which highlighted that one motor is taken by criminals every five minutes.

Nicola Johnson is consumer services manager at the company and said thieves employ lots of "dirty tricks" aimed to fool innocent purchasers into handing over the cash for a stolen or cloned car.

She advised them to "use every tool available to them to help combat the vehicle fraudsters. By conducting a vehicle history check and proceeding with caution, car buyers can uncover a fake and walk away unscathed".

HPI gave some suggestions as to how buyers could minimise their risk of entering into an illegal transaction.

These included checking that the vehicle identification number has not been tampered with and researching the market value of the car beforehand. If asked to pay less than 70 per cent of this, they should "be wary" and never pay with cash.

However, once a legitimate deal has been made, they might find competitive quotes for things like breakdown cover and insurance online.

Tata Motors has announced that a new plant it is currently in the midst of constructing in India will be completed by early next year.

According to the firm, the Gujarat plant, which will manufacture the company’s Nano model, often lauded as the world’s cheapest car, will be finished this coming January, relates the Ahmedabad Mirror.

Chairman of the organisation Ratan Tata updated attendees with the latest site developments at the annual general meeting.

The news provider quotes him as declaring: "The Sanand plant will be ready by January next year. At first stage, the plant will produce more yellow and silver-coloured cars as they are in demand in the market."

He added that the site will supplement the production lines of its existing plant in Pantnagar in Uttarakhand.

Other models produced by the company and available for purchase include the Tata Indica, Tata Indigo SW, Tata Sumo and the Tata Safari.

Mini has revealed that its brand new model, the Concept, will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Running from September 17th to 27th , the motoring event will see the lid lifted on the Mini Coupe Concept fifty years after the unveiling of the company’s first-ever classic mini in 1959.

Designed to be the most capable mini model to date, the car is a two-seater, as tradition dictates, and boasts perfect axle load distribution, a low roof line and lightweight qualities.

A 250-litre storage capacity is another feature of the model, as is a three-spoke leather driving wheel, two Chronoswiss clocks and sports seats with "strongly contoured side supports".

Following the organisation’s 50th birthday, Mini revealed last month that it 1.5 million vehicles have now been produced at its Oxford plant.

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, described the milestone as "wonderful".

Motoring website Evo has offered its verdict on the Ferrari California.

Putting the vehicle through its paces on the road, the online hub evaluated every aspect of the car’s look and performance, including its braking ability, handling, colour and the comfort of its seats.

In particular, Evo was impressed with its capacity to switch from comfort to sport on long stretches of road, as well as its "single most impressive feature", the seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox.

"Roused, the performance of its V8 is solid and energetic, and the refined twin-clutch gearbox manages it brilliantly. Push and you’ll find a car that is friendly, poised and exploitable," the website explains.

In July, Ferrari announced that it would unveil its new Italia model at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Aspects such as the vehicle’s design, engine, ergonomics, handling and aerodynamics have been revised for the new model, according to the company.

The Kia Sorento has received a five-star rating in the most recent Euro NCAP crash tests, it has emerged.

This endorsement means that the vehicle will be one of the safest SUVs available on the market when it is launched in early 2010.

The vehicle received 87 per cent for adult occupant protection and 84 per cent for children’s safety.

Styled by Peter Schreyer, the new Sorento boasts a monocoque chassis developed from the ground upwards, a feature attributing to safety factors.

Michael Cole, the managing director of Kia Motors UK, explained: "The new Sorento was designed and engineered to meet or surpass the expectations of European, North American and global consumers in every respect – including safety."

Enthusiasts will be able to get a sneak preview of Kia’s other forthcoming model, the Venga, at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The vehicle will go on sale at the beginning of 2010.

The Aston Martin DBS has been reviewed by one website and has received an all-round glowing report.

According to Crave, the vehicle is one of the most impressive to have ever been designed and manufactured and warrants the £160,000 price tag it carries.

It states that, although the model is one often seen of the silver screen, in the likes of Bond action flicks Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, "nothing prepares you for the moment" you will first come face-to-face with the Aston Martin DBS.

Some of the aspects that could cause problems for a motorist include the car’s built-in satellite navigation system, which is missing certain roads, and its ten-second engine start-up time.

However, when it comes to its look, speed and deceleration abilities, the Aston Martin is an indisputable winner, Crave declares.

According to Aston Martin, the vehicle’s body work was designed to emulate "a well-toned athlete in a figure-hugging suit".

Some tips on buying a vehicle have been given and could be used when thinking about what car parts will be necessary to maintain it.

The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) said it is crucial to use a reputable dealer and read the small print of any agreement you plan to sign.

Consider whether the engine will run on petrol, diesel or both and whether the car will be used for long or short journeys, the organisation advised.

What kind of motor is it – a sports utility vehicle, a three-door coupe, a five-door estate or a high-performance roadster? The list is endless, so would-be buyers were told to think long and hard about their needs.

"If you’re not a car expert, take a knowledgeable friend along with you," suggested Sue Robinson, RMIF director "Some manufacturers now let you test drive a car over 48 hours, or sometimes even longer."

Purchasers may want to also look at prices for spares and parts for the potential auto, and make sure they are within budget.