Lexus ES350/ES300h

Lexus has unveiled its ES350 and ES300h luxury sedans as part of the 2013 generation of the brand's ES lineup since its introduction over twenty years ago. The new ES remains front-wheel drive but has a lower, longer profile than its predecessor and also incorporates the brand’s signature spindle grille, with the "L" design motif reflected in the LED daytime running lights and rear lamps. The 2013 ES is 25mm longer at 4895mm, with a wheelbase of 2819mm, up 46mm.

New dynamic 3D button touchscreen tech

A pioneering new technology allows touchscreens to ‘grow’ dynamic buttons from flat surfaces. The new technology, developed by US company Tactus Technology, uses minute channels within the screen to siphon liquid into button shaped cavities that then rise when pressed, alleviating some of the muscle-memory and distraction issues often leveled at touchscreens. Craig Ciesla, CEO of Tactus Technology, says that it was his desire to merge the elegance of the iPhone's user interface with the tactility of Blackberry buttons that led to the technology's development.

Victor Muller sells Spyker sports cars to CPP

Supercar maker Spyker is to be sold. Coventry-based coachbuilder CPP has announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to buy Spyker Cars from Spyker Cars N.V, the holding company which owns Spyker and Saab. No. Saab remains under the ownership of Dutch company Spyker Cars N.V. This sale is of Spyker, the manufacturer of flamboyantly detailed mid-engined supercars. CPP has been supplying chassis and body panels for Spyker since the brand was relaunched in 2000, and completed an agreement to handle full manufacturing of the current range in 2009 – the production of Spyker cars moved from the Netherlands to Coventry in 2010.   The MOU, valued at €32m, will mean that CPP Global Holdings Ltd will become manufacturer and owner of Spyker – €15m will be paid straight away, with the remaining €17m paid over a six year 'earn-out' period.