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Students prepare for Coventry University's annual degree show

Students of Coventry University's Automotive and Transport Design course are getting ready for their annual degree show, dubbed ‘Discover ID'. Already the largest show in Europe, this year's exhibition will be the biggest ever, with 107 BA and MDes students showcasing their design talents. Aside from automotive projects, the exhibition will feature projects including two full-size motorcycles, a Rolls-Royce yacht, a Pacific cruise airship and arctic tourism vehicles.

Renault working on 141mpg plug-in hybrid concept

Renault is working on a 141mpg plug-in hybrid concept car, according to Renault head of research, advanced studies and materials, Remi Bastien. Speaking to MSN Cars at Renault’s recent ‘Innovations’ event – showcasing the French manufacturer’s new technology that will underpin its next-generation models – Bastien revealed the new car will make its debut in 2014. On Bing: see pictures of Renaults Find out how much a used Renault costs on Auto Trader This means the ‘2l/100km’ concept car will likely make its first public appearance at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, alongside the firm’s new rear-engined Twingo city car.

Next-gen Passat to offer hybrid and twin-turbo power

VOLKSWAGEN is going even more upmarket with the all-new version of the Passat, which is due to hit showrooms later this year. Soon buyers will be able to include a plug-in hybrid and an all-new 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel among their forecourt options, as VW goes chasing after its sister company Audi. Weight-saving measures have chopped up to 85kg from the new kid on a like-for-like basis, which helps achieve VW's stated efficiency boosts of 20% versus equivalent outgoing Passats.