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Lexus targets BMW X3 with new crossover

LEXUS is set to join the mid-size crossover fray when it launches the NX at the Beijing Motor Show later this month. The move could be a massive one for Lexus as it tests the water in what has become one of the fastest-growing and fiercest-fought market sectors of them all. This teaser shot is all that Lexus is willing to show of the new car before then, but the headlight shape is clearly inspired by the formidable LFA hypercar.

Kia Soul EV revealed at the Chicago Motor Show

The new Kia Soul EV (pictured) has been revealed in Chicago The Kia Soul EV is Kia’s first effort at a proper mass production EV, and if you’re looking for an electric car it does look promising. Due to go on sale later in 2014 in the US – initially in California, New York and Oregan because of their charging infrastructure – and, Kia promised, the UK and Europe later in 2014 or early 2015, the Soul EV offers a real world driving range of 80-100 miles from a recharge taking half an hour for 80 per cent on a rapid 50kW charger or up to 5 hours for a full recharge from a UK 240 volt supply. The range is helped by Kia’s third-generation regenerative braking system which manages to capture 12 per cent of the car’s kinetic energy, feeding it back in to the battery as electricity during braking and coasting, with four different regeneration modes.

Oprah viewers get keys to 2012 Volkswagen Beetle giveaway cars

The redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is arriving at dealerships, and some of the first people to get one have waited nearly a year. Talk-show host Oprah Winfrey revealed the Beetle's design silhouette on her "Ultimate Favorite Things" giveaway show in 2010 and told audience members that they would be among the first owners. On Thursday, 276 people got their cars.