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Michelin Challenge Design Selects Designs for 2009 NAIAS

The Michelin Challenge Design Jury met in July at Art Center College of Design and selected the designs that will be displayed next January at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) at the Cobo Center in Detroit. The entrants were challenged to create vehicles in support of the central theme ‘BRAVE+BOLD'; America's Next Iconic Vehicle. The designs were evaluated for uniqueness, emotional appeal, design courage and technical execution.

Lexus IS (2013) more details of new 3-series rival

Lexus has pulled the cloth back on the all-new Lexus IS at the 2013 Detroit motor show, and announced more details of its new hybrid 3-series rival. This will be the first hybrid Lexus IS, and UK sales will start in summer 2013.  What do we know about the new hybrid Lexus IS?  The IS300h combines an electric motor with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The torque output is yet to be confirmed, but there's 217bhp and Lexus is aiming for a sub-100g/km CO2 output and fuel consumption of at least 65mpg. Figures like that are likely to grab the attention of fleet managers, as Lexus hopes to close the gap on rivals like the BMW 3-series, Mercedes C-class and Audi A4.  There's a non-hybrid model too, but this IS250 will be powered by a 204bhp 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine. It won't be a fleet favourite.  The IS250h has a six-speed automatic transmission, the IS300h has a CVT gearbox, and both cars are rear-wheel drive.

Toyota Avalon [w/gallery]

Toyota has revealed more details and pictures of its Avalon sedan, first seen at last year's New York auto show. The Avalon, designed at the carmaker's Calty design studio, offers a glimpse of Toyota's new emphasis on design and to help reposition its flagship sedan within the premium mid-size segment. The height has been reduced by 25 mm while the overhangs have been reduced by 15 mm at the front and 45 mm at the rear.