New Mercedes S-Class Plug-in Hybrid to debut at Frankfurt Motor Show

The new Mercedes S-Class (pictured) will arrive with a plug-in hybrid version in September We’ve known Mercedes were planning a plug-in hybrid version of the new S-Class as far back as 2009, and it now appears it will debut – as a 2014 model – at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. When Mercedes revealed the Vision S500 Plug-in Hybrid Concept at Frankfurt in 2009, they had fitted it with a V6 petrol engine mated to a 44kw motor and a bank of lithium-ion batteries, and promised the hybrid S-Class would do 90mpg, have emissions of under 75g/km and manage 18 miles in EV mode. That means the hybrid S-Class would have performance comparable to the V8 petrol-engined S500 but attract no BIK or VED in the UK.

Ford Figo Saloon Concept is the new KA Concept with a boot

The Ford Figo Saloon Concept (pictured) debuts in India The Ford Figo is a last generation Ford Fiesta built for emerging markets in India, but this new Ford Figo Concept appears to be a next generation Ford KA with a boot. Looking just like the new Ford KA Concept from Brazil – which got a European outing in Barcelona in December - the Figo Concept is a next-generation Ford KA with a an extra bit on the back and aimed at emerging markets. That ‘emerging markets’ aim seems clear when one of the major selling points, according to Ford, is the flexible architecture of the power door mirrors that makes it far less likely the mirror will be ripped off when hit by a passing car.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster out in London (video)

The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster has been caught out and about on London’s streets, on film and on video. Last week saw the arrival of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster as a limited edition convertible version of the V12 Vantage. For now, at least.