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One Lap of the Web: Mock the Week Edition

-- Mazda Europe designer Peter Birthwhistle talks about the future of Mazda: potential hybrid and electric powertrains for the Skyactiv-obsessed company, and how we'll all be driving Mazda-branded pods in the 22nd century. But he also mentions, rather interestingly, how certain Mazdas capture a quintessentially long-hood, RWD look -- and not just the Miata, either, which is RWD. No, it's the exhaust systems on those Skyactiv engines that force a longer, larger hood compartment, and the "long, flowing looks" not usually found on FWD engines.

BMW M550d xDrive (2012) - the diesel M saloon

BMW has launched its first diesel M car: the new M550d xDrive in saloon and Touring estate forms. It's part of a strategy to fill the gap between the exclusive M GmbH division cars and the top-end cosmetic M Sport trim lines with a new range of M lite: BMW M Performance Automobiles. Developed by the engineers responsible for the M3, M5 et al, the new M550d xDrive is powered by a new high-output version of the 3.0-litre straight six turbodiesel packing not one, not two, but three turbochargers.

Jaguar Land Rover raise £500 million to fund expansion

Jaguar Land Rover raise £500 million Jaguar Land Rover is raising £500 million on the bond market to fund its expansion, including new models and new facilities. Hot on the heels of the Jaguar Land Rover joint venture deal with Chery in China comes the news that Jaguar has dipped in to the private bond market to raise £500 million to help with its bold and bullish plans to make JLR a major world player in the premium vehicle sector. JLR plans to invest £1.5 billion a year on expansion and is making sure its coffers can cope by issuing £500 million of senior notes due in 2020, with the net proceeds of the bonds being used for general corporate purposes.