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We are at the Irish media launch of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric today in the impressive new Mercedes-Benz North Dublin showroom. Pricing announced as starting from €71,110, with rear-drive model to come later from about €65k. Dave's initial review of the C 400 4Matic has been comprehensively updated with the Irish pricing and specification details. 

Bright and early this morning, Shane took a call from Newstalk to chat through the latest hike in EV-charging prices with Anton Savage. In case you missed the story, the ESB has raised pricing on its public-charging network again, by some 24 per cent over the previous increase announced in June of this year. This makes it the most expensive public EV charging network in the country, which seems ludicrous given it's a semi-state body. Make sure you read our full article on the rate increase, and listen back on this morning's show on Newstalk as well.

BMW Alpina's first production model under BMW Group ownership has been filmed exceeding 300km/h at Italy's Nardo test track. Despite the camouflage, it's clearly based on the BMW 7 Series, albeit with Alpina's trademark 20-spoke wheels and four oval exhaust outlets.

A twin-turbo V8 engine provides the power. Bespoke suspension, aerodynamic changes and specially developed, foam-lined tyres aim to combine high-speed stability with limousine-like comfort. Alpina refers to it as a “distance-shrinking” car. Watch the video to see it in action.

Pagani unveiled the Huayra 70 Anima at the Concours at Wynn in the States, completing its trio of bespoke Huayra ‘70’ hypercars. The one-off uses a Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed manual gearbox with exposed shift linkage. Pagani has not confirmed its power output. Its dramatic aero package includes a roof intake, fixed rear wing and large diffuser, while the six-pipe exhaust has a white ceramic coating. Exposed carbon fibre, diamond-dust blue paint, hand-applied platinum leaf and milled aluminium complete the extravagant specification.

Shane spoke with Paul Moriarty this morning on Limerick's Live 95 radio station, explaining the new rules that came into effect on 1 November about learner permits and taking the driving test. It's a hot subject right now, and we're delighted that the ridiculous loophole, which allowed drivers to keep renewing their learner permit indefinitely without ever sitting a driving test, has been closed. More in our news story.