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New BMW 3-series bows, performance-oriented 335iS joins the lineup

A new performance-oriented 335iS model endowed with an M-sport styling kit and unique chassis settings heads the list of changes BMW brings to its facelifted 2011 3-series coupe and convertible. Set to slot into the lineup between an upgraded 335i and the M3 when it goes on sale in March as an exclusive for North America, the 335iS runs a tuned version of BMW's N54 engine, as found in the recently unveiled Z4 sDrive35iS, coupled to either a standard six-speed manual or an optional Getrag-engineered seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine of the 335iS adds a special software package to bump power to 326 hp and lift torque to 332 lb-ft--or to an even gutsier 369 lb-ft for short periods via an overboost function that unleashes added turbocharger boost pressure.

Driven: Ford Mondeo wagon

But the design of this Mondeo is interesting because of this, not despite this. The core challenge for the Ford design team was how to balance delivering a distinctively engaging design with being acceptable to as much as possible of the broad target profile of potential buyer. This is perhaps the biggest unspoken challenge for today's vehicle designer.

Range Rover Hybrid completes Silk Trail Expedition to India (video)

Range Rover Hybrid completes Silk Trail Expedition to India Land Rover has been busy for the last 53 days taking a trio of Range Rover Hybrids down the Silk Trail from Land Rover’s home in the Midlands to Tata’s home in India. In the process, the three Range Rover Hybrids, and their Land Rover support vehicles, have covered 10,472 miles in 53 days covering every terrain imaginable – and averaged 36mpg in the process. The whole point of the outing was to give the hybrid Range Rover a proper workout ahead of its customer launch, and the trek to India certainly provided that with everything from sea level to 5500 metres and temperatures from -10 to 43C along the way, not to mention the vast array of terrain from tarmac to non-existent byways.