Acura ILX concept

The luxury compact sedan is set to launch later this year, representing a move by Acura into the compact premium class for the first time in order to attract younger buyers into Honda's upmarket range. The car features a slimmer version of the Acura shield grille and lamps that are cut into by the bumper surface. In profile, the ILX's silhouette, DLO, and rear door shut line are reminiscent of the Lexus IS, but Acura's rising feature line, which forms a visual muscle over the rear wheel (despite front-wheel drive architecture) adds a level of distinction.

Ecclestone wants to bring the noise

FORMULA ONE supremo Bernie Ecclestone has vowed to address growing concerns surrounding the sport's lack of an appealing noise. Following Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Ron Walker, chairman of the organising company that stages the race, complained to close friend Ecclestone about the lack of sound. The piercing scream of the old V8 engine has gone, and in its place we now have a huskier tone, complete with whistles and whirrs from the 1.6-litre V6 turbo as F1 tries to become greener.

Japan's Toyota Prius Cup showcases hybrid car

With steely stares and clenched hands, the drivers peer from their crash helmets as the race marshal slowly raises the green flag. Then the flag drops. And they're off!