New speed camera tested

Bad news for drivers with a heavy right foot. It looks like the next-generation of speed cameras that use satellite technology and number plate recognition, have successfully undergone testing. The system called SpeedSpike uses current ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) and GPS to detect and record the position of cars and work out their average speed. The system could be used on motorways, outside schools and around towns, in fact nowhere could be off-limits. Except maybe tunnels...and underground car parks. The system, devised by US company PIPS Technology, has been testing in Southwark, South London and on the A374 from Torpoint to Antony in Conwall. There’s no official word from the government as to whether the system will be used.
Somebody blows up a speed camera in Finland
Whereas this bloke opts for a pickaxe
This biker uses fire
Here’s someone who got stopped and threw a tantrum, very funny
I think this might be deemed excessive force
How to talk your way out of a speeding ticket

Official: Mercedes Shooting Break concept

The concepts keep rolling in. First Citroen, with its futuristic take on an eco-friendly luxury saloon - the Metropolis, now Mercedes is getting a taste of the action with its Shooting Break concept. Think of it as a love-child between the Mercedes CLS saloon-coupe and the SLS AMG supercar, with a sprinkling of E-Class estate versatility thrown in for good measure, and you'll get the idea. It showcases a new direct injection 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that pumps out 306hp and 273lb ft of torque. Design-wise it's equipped with 71 LED lights, four-seats (much like the CLS), frameless windows, panoramic sunroof and recessed door handles that only open the door once touched. The Shooting Break concept is set to make its world debut at the Chinese Motor Show at the end of April.

Video: Mercedes Shooting Break Concept

Citroen unveils Metropolis concept

What better way to announce out 'concept week' on Smoked Out, than by bringing word of a new concept from Citroen. The French carmaker has stunned crowds at the Shanghai World Fair with this luxury saloon concept, badged Metropolis. At 5.3 meters long, and two meters wide, it’s not exactly a city runabout, but, if it was driving around the streets of London, it would escape the congestion charge, thanks to its electric motor that pumps out around 95hp. It works with a 2.0-litre 272hp V6 meaning plenty of oomph on the motorway. Emissions work out at just 70 g/km, meaning the Metropolis is not only luxurious but eco friendly too. Other party tricks include silk pearl paint, that changes colour under different light and origami rear lights, all of which makes for good pub chat fodder. It’s likely to make an appearance at the Paris Motor Show later in the year. As well as footage of the Metropolis in action, we’ve also dug out a video of the GT by Citroen, caught turning heads around London last year. Speaking of head-turning and Citroen, here’s a funny advert for the Citroen C3 with some head turning ladies, and some not so head turning ladies...
Car video: Citroen Metropolis concept
Car video: GTbyCitroen Driving around London
Car video: funny Citroen C3 advert

Comedy car buyer/Focus RS500/Audi week/London taxi/Hummer H2 with 2hp

A recent study has shown that just one in five Brits don’t test drive cars before they buy, that’s according to research by Carmony.co.uk. That got us hunting around for any special car buying videos, and we came across this one, with an Obi Wan Kenobe lookalike looking for a used car... Genius. Elsewhere, it looks like the London taxi is going to be just as common a sight in the Czech Republic as it is around London. Here’s a V8 dancing taxi that’ll do 0-60mph under four seconds which would no doubt do quite will in the ‘London taxi grand prix’. Onto car news, and we’ve found some footage of the new Ford Focus RS500. The 500 doesn’t hint at the horsepower, instead refers to the limited production run. It gets 15 per cent more power from the 2.5-litre five cylinder turbo meaning 350hp, 0-62mph in just five and half seconds and a top speed of 165mph. This week is Audi week, which links neatly to the news that the Audi R8 V10 was voted World Performance car of the year, and includes clips like this R8 crash. Ouch!!! How about this for something a little different a Hummer H2 with two horsepower... literally, it’s more pimp my stagecoach than pimp my ride, but cool nonetheless...