Lexus IS-C Convertible gets F-Sport options.

Lexus has launched a range of F-Sport accessories for the new Lexus IS Convertible With the Lexus IS Convertible having launched in Japan this week, and the Lexus IS 250C arriving in the UK in July (and the Lexus IS 350C to arrive sometime next year), Lexus are looking for ways to ‘Up-sell’ the range, particularly as it looks like it will totally eclipse the woeful SC430. With prices starting from low £30k, there is no doubt a big push to get people to spec up their cars. And what better way than to offer some nice Lexus F-Sport bits and pieces to bolt on to your new pride and joy.

VW's wild new 496-hp Golf GTI

UPDATED: Volkswagen has revealed a 496-hp version of the seventh-generation Golf GTI as part of activities at this year's Worthersee fan meet in Austria – and with it, projected the hot hatchback into the same league as some of the world's most celebrated supercars. Dubbed the Design Vision GTI, the radical new concept showcases a twin-turbocharged 3-liter V6 engine developed for use in upcoming models that, like the new Golf GTI, are based around Volkswagen's highly flexible MQB (modular transverse architecture) platform structure. Set to find its way into selected new Volkswagen models in future years, the direct injection engine replaces the Golf GTI's turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four, and is mounted transversely in the engine bay of the Design Vision GTI.

Hyundai goes K-Pop and releases an album

Hyundai has teamed up with Korean pop stars to create an album of music inspired by the new i40, New Generation i30 and Veloster. We’ve loved the way Hyundai has moved its products on from  Halford’s special to mainstream credible in quick sticks, and their PR teams have been on the ball too with good initiatives and a willingness to make things happen. But we’re not too sure how effective a new album of music by Korea’s K-Pop stars – inspired, we’re told, by the new i40, New Generation i30 and Veloster – is as a marketing tool.