03 04 05 Saab 9-3 L. Air Bag Driver Sdn 4 Dr 338443 on 2040-parts.com

Detroit Electric SP:01 – it’s a Lotus Exige EV

Detroit Electric has revealed the SP:01, a Lotus Exige based electric sports car promising 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and a range of 190 miles. 999 are being built. Detroit Electric is a re-birth of a once well-known electric vehicle maker in the US (that’s well-known pre-WWII) that’s been revived by former Group head of Lotus Engineering, Albert Lam, set up shop in Michigan with the intention of emulating Tesla’s route to EV credibility by building its own Lotus EV.

Detroit auto show 2011: the CAR Live Blog from NAIAS

CAR's review of the 2011 Detroit auto show - By Ben Oliver 3.30pm: Ian Robertson drives onto the stage in a Team USA-liveried Mini CountrymanCountryman sales are 30% above projected orders with 12,000 sold since launch, and the maxi Mini is now on sale in the US too. Marketing chief Robertson says 2010 was the best sales year ever with 234,000 Minis sold worldwide and sales were 8.1% up in the biggest market, the US. Launched 10 years ago at Detroit, Mini now has over 300,000 American owners, or 'fans' as Robertson's Facebook-savvy scriptwriter says.3.11pm: Big waves at HyundaiBP Hyundai's American boss John Krafcik introduces the new Curb concept, a cool Juke-sized crossover, and then the lovely little Hyundai Veloster (below).

Renault puts a price on the 2012 Twingo Facelift

2012 Renault Twingo costs £10,350 The facelift for the 2012 Renault Twingo debuted at Frankfurt, and Renault has now put a price on their new baby – £10,350. The facelift for the 2012 Renault Twingo is not the most comprehensive overhaul you’ll eve see in a car, consisting mainly of a new nose reflecting more current Renault design, a tiny tweak round the back and a few new colour options. But then the 2012 Twingo is really just a stop-gap until a SMART-based Twingo arrives – probably in 2013 – and as such does its job; making the Twingo look a bit fresher.