88 Lotus Esprit Starter, Lucas on 2040-parts.com

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid (2013) will cost £50k

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will cost £50k The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will start production in 2012 with 1,000 cars, each likely to cost around £50,000. We really like the Volvo V60, and despite our general antipathy towards hybrid platforms – particularly in smaller cars – we also really like the idea of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid. With its 4WD – thanks to something Volvo call ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) – and 2.4 litre diesel working with an electric motor producing 70 horses, the V60 plug-in can offer the best of both worlds – economy and performance – albeit at a price.

Cars of the future at the Royal College Art Vehicle Design Show 2013

If you believe everything you read in the media, 'the yoof of today' are falling out of love with the car. Today it's more about the latest smartphone than getting behind the wheel of your first car. But then with social media replacing proper conversation, perhaps a car is no longer needed?

Video: BMW M1 Hommage

BMW took the wraps off its latest concept car at the Concorso d'Eleganza in Villa d'Este this past weekend. Called the M1 Hommage, the concept is exactly what it says on the tin: pay homage to the iconic M1 designed by Giorgio Giugiaro, which celebrates its 30th birthday this year. The design of the M1 Hommage concept is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the original - compete with a louvered rear window - but it has grown in size over its thirty year old forebear.