03 04 Focus Engine Ecm 178619 on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes-Benz to drop the R-class in the U.S.

Mercedes-Benz will drop the slow-selling R-class wagon from its U.S. lineup after the 2012 model year. But the German automaker will continue to build the R-class at its plant in Alabama for export to other markets.

Honda Urban SUV Concept: 2013 Detroit Auto Show

Honda has revealed their Urban SUV Concept at the Detroit Auto Show, previewing a new compact SUV based on the new Honda Jazz. The latest offering in this burgeoning sector is the Honda Urban SUV Concept – teased in December –  debuting at the Detroit Auto Show this week and previewing a new, more compact SUV, from Honda, designed to sit below the CR-V. The Urban SUV has a relatively low roof line, lots of crease lines, rounded shapes and a statement nose, and does look a lot like the Nissan Juke’s smoother older sibling.

Lexus IS (2013) more details of new 3-series rival

Lexus has pulled the cloth back on the all-new Lexus IS at the 2013 Detroit motor show, and announced more details of its new hybrid 3-series rival. This will be the first hybrid Lexus IS, and UK sales will start in summer 2013.  What do we know about the new hybrid Lexus IS?  The IS300h combines an electric motor with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The torque output is yet to be confirmed, but there's 217bhp and Lexus is aiming for a sub-100g/km CO2 output and fuel consumption of at least 65mpg. Figures like that are likely to grab the attention of fleet managers, as Lexus hopes to close the gap on rivals like the BMW 3-series, Mercedes C-class and Audi A4.  There's a non-hybrid model too, but this IS250 will be powered by a 204bhp 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine. It won't be a fleet favourite.  The IS250h has a six-speed automatic transmission, the IS300h has a CVT gearbox, and both cars are rear-wheel drive.