GM's Ed Welburn walks Jay Leno through the Elmiraj concept's design [w/Video]

General Motors' vice president Global Design Ed Welburn stars in the latest of the 'Jay Leno's Garage' YouTube series, running the talk-show host through some of the new Cadillac Elmiraj concept's design features and what it means for the brand's future. We get a look at all the classic Cadillac design cues such as the vertical headlamps and tail lamps as well as the central hard crease that Welburn says is "important in every Cadillac". Leno and Welburn then move onto the Elmiraj's features, such as the large doors' integrated handles and the slimmer A-pillars before a more in-depth look at one of the concept's most striking features – the grille.

Volkswagen Golf R confirmed for America

Enthusiasts spoke, and Volkswagen listened. VW announced Thursday that the diminutive and powerful Golf R is coming to the United States in 2012. VW said the Golf R will have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a significant increase in horsepower over the 200-hp GTI.

Renault Fluence Z.E.

Honoring its 2009 Frankfurt motor show pledge to offer EV's by 2012, Renault has announced the Fluence Z.E., which will soon be offered alongside its conventionally-powered sibling. In making its transition to EV, the Fluence has undergone several changes; the most obvious being the battery pack which dictated an increase in the car's overall length. The extended rear quarter panels, which equate to the 130mm growth, add a sizeable visual weight to the rear of the car.