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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.

Touring Superleggera Disco Volante and Ralph Lauren Bugatti win at Villa d'Este

The Touring Superleggera Disco Volante was the surprise winner of the Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes at 2013 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. It beat the likes of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe, Aston Martin CC100, Infiniti Emerg-E and McLaren P1, although it should be said that BMW, as a major sponsor of the event, dosn't enter its cars into the vote. The Alfa Romeo-based sports car once again proved that if it's red Italian and with a Milanese connection, it's a dead cert for winning the prize, voted for by both the judges and the general public.

“War on Motorists over” – Philip Hammond

Philip Hammond vows to end the War on Motorists Now there’s a damn fine start to Philip Hammond’s stint as Secretary of State for Transport - the end of the Government war on motorists. It’s also a good headline for the Tories, but what’s the meat? Actually, quite promising. Philip has announced that there will be an end to funding speed cameras.