The Volkswagen Passat...
The Volkswagen Passat will take part in the Urban Challenge, a 60-mile contest for driverless vehicles which involves them merging with traffic, negotiating roundabouts, avoiding other motorists and abiding by road laws. Computers control the steering, throttle and brakes, and scientists are now adding lasers, GPS sat-nav and video cameras so the car can ‘see’ the road. Two years ago, VW entered a Touareg SUV in a similar contest in the desert, but the Passat will have a tougher job.
The Ferrari empire is...
The Ferrari empire is expanding! These are the first official shots of the gargantuan Ferrari World theme park in Abu Dhabi. Situated adjacent to the Yas Marina circuit ò€“ host to last weekendò€™s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ò€“ the giant roof has only just been put in place and boasts the largest Ferrari logo ever created at 66-metres across.
Set to open in 2010, the Mecca for Ferrari fans will house the worldò€™s largest indoor theme park and span an incredible 200,000 square metres of floor space. Over 20 state-of-the-art attractions are planned, including the worldò€™s fastest rollercoaster which travels at speed up to 124mph and simulates the sensation of being in a Ferrari F1 car ò€“ and the G-force experience which takes visitors up through the roof before plummeting back to the ground.
As well as adrenaline-fuelled rides, a range of Italian-themed restaurants and shopping opportunities will be on offer. Sitting on the North East side of Abu Dhabiò€™s mainland, the site is a 10 minute drive from Abu Dhabi airport and 50 minutes from Dubai.
Read our in-depth report on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix here.