Top Gear China launches +video

Top Gear China Well, we’re assuming Top Gear China has launched. Or at least they’ve had a crack with a pilot episode, fifteen minutes of which you can see in the video below. We’re struggling to work out the banter, but we think we’ve got figured a chunk of the content.

BMW concept X5 eDrive hybrid to debut at 2013 Frankfurt Show

BMW has released details of a new ultra-efficient prototype version of its X5 off-roader. Called the concept X5 eDrive, the plug-in hybrid SUV will make its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show next month. It seems as though Frankfurt 2013 is going to be a battle of the luxury hybrids, with the Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-in Hybrid and the Range Rover hybrid both making their first appearances in Germany, too.

Keep Cruisin', Marv Spector

For the last 30 years or so, you could belly up to the service counter at Specter Off Road in scorching Chatsworth, Calif., deep in the Valley, underneath the red-and-white arrow that stretches the length of the squat stucco building. You'd first have to stroll past the long and dark row of dizzying Toyota Land Cruisers -- Japanese fire trucks, FJ60s with roof-mounted machine guns and a propane-powered 1973 Baja 1000 champion. Past the glass cases of old photos and model kits and RC cars from Japan.