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Rolls Phantom Series II at 2012 Geneva motor show

Senior industrialists – and Sir Alan Sugar’s chauffeur – will be cheered by the news that Rolls-Royce has updated its premium luxury vehicle, with the launch at the 2012 Geneva motor show of the Phantom Series II. Nine years after launch, the heavyweight – in so many ways – limousine gets cosmetic enhancements, some fresh new tech and significant tweaks to drivetrain and ‘user experience’, say RR. The new Rolls-Royce Phantom doesn’t look that different, does it?

Going green is the new black

When hearing the term “luxury vehicle,” it’s safe to say your mind doesn’t automatically jump to phrases like “fuel-efficient” or “environmentally friendly.” Let’s be honest: Owning a gas-guzzling speed machine dressed to the nines inside and out is a serious status symbol in most cultures. But there’s a new trend taking over the luxury automotive world, and it’s covered in green. The demand for high-end hybrid cars is on the rise, not only for their notable mileage boost and decreased emissions, but also for the social gains of adopting the green technology.

Lotus Hybrid – the Lotus Evora 414E – at Geneva

The only photo we have of the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Last year we reported on a range extender engine developed by Lotus for use in hybrid cars. The range extender engine was part of a joint project between Lotus, Jaguar, MIRA and Caparo in conjunction with the Technology Strategy Board and was designed to provide charge – rather than drive – for hybrid cars. A solution that seems far more elegant than the current Prius-type setups.