Porsche 911 buyers flock to rare 24-month leases

Porsche is pushing 24-month leases for its 911 and is running a six-month lease pull-ahead incentive on all of its sports cars to offset a shortage of low-mileage used cars. This year, 22 percent of all 911 lessees have taken 24-month contracts rather than 36-month deals, says Michael Bartsch, COO of Porsche Cars North America. That compares with 10 percent before the push.

Volvo V40 & V40 Cross Country: 2014 updates announced

Volvo are updating the new V40 for 2014 with new engine and gearbox options and a new 4WD option for the V40 Cross Country in Europe. There’s a new petrol engine choice – to go with the existing T3, T4 and T5 – in the 120PS T2 petrol engine, a 1.6 litre which offers 53.3mpg and emissions of 124g/km, a good choice if you don’t like to hustle, don’t do big mileage and pay your own bills. As well as a new engine option, Volvo are offering an auto option on the V40 D2 and V40 R-Design D2 which manages economy of 68.9mpg and emissions of 102g/km.

Mercedes proves E-Class hybrid tech with unusual test

IN AN impressive display of performance and economy, Mercedes-Benz has completed a lengthy test of its new E300 Bluetech Hybrid saloon by driving it almost the length of the country on a single tank of fuel with a flat-out speed test at either end. With ex-rally driver Mick Linford at the wheel the standard production E300 Bluetech Hybrid began with a full tank of fuel at Newquay Cornwall Airport, the most southerly airport in mainland Britain. Down the main runway it completed an acceleration test to past 62mph from rest in a little over seven seconds and reached 136mph before braking for the end of the runway.