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Going green is the new black

When hearing the term “luxury vehicle,” it’s safe to say your mind doesn’t automatically jump to phrases like “fuel-efficient” or “environmentally friendly.” Let’s be honest: Owning a gas-guzzling speed machine dressed to the nines inside and out is a serious status symbol in most cultures. But there’s a new trend taking over the luxury automotive world, and it’s covered in green. The demand for high-end hybrid cars is on the rise, not only for their notable mileage boost and decreased emissions, but also for the social gains of adopting the green technology.

Vauxhall Monza Coupe concept (2013) at Frankfurt motor show

The Vauxhall Monza coupe concept is a sign of things to come, says Vauxhall, and will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013. Vauxhall coupes are rare beasts: since the Cavalier-based Calibra of the '90s and smaller Corsa-based Tigra, we've only had the imported V8 Monaro and the Astra two-door. The low-slung Monza previews the styling and design language of future products in the Opel/Vauxhall portfolio.

2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon announced

Ford has introduced the 2014 Transit Connect Wagon, a vehicle the automaker is calling “so unique it is a revolution in seven-passenger transportation.” We won't know whether or not it is truly revolutionary until we can get behind the wheel, but at first glance, the new vehicle appears to be a very tall wagon or a small minivan, or a Transit Connect with larger windows. The Transit Connect Wagon is tied to Ford's current car lineup aesthetically via the characteristic Blue Oval hexagonal grille, but it's the van/wagon's utility that will likely become its biggest selling point. Ford claims the Transit Connect Wagon will be able to swallow a 1,200 lb.