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Porsche Panamera hits the heights in Shanghai

A Porsche Panamera on its way to the 94th floor of the World Financial Centre in Shanghai [ad#ad-1] The stories of car makers doing daft things with cars to garner a bit of publicity have been rarer of late. Which, considering the sombre mood of car makers and the car buying public in recent months, is no real surprise. Even Motor Shows have been relatively sombre affairs (the Detroit Motor Show was particularly muted in 2009), but China is still booming, and the Shanghai Motor Show has been pretty much an old fashioned, glitzy affair.

Tesla Model X Electric SUV production confirmed for early 2015

The Tesla Model X SUV (pictured) will start production in early 2015 The Tesla Model S electric car has been a bigger success than anyone could have guessed, and is probably the only electric car that offers a real alternative to an ICE car. But a one-model range is not a recipe for long-term success, so Tesla are planning on delivering a 4WD electric SUV and a BMW 3-Series EV to add to the Model S, with production of the Model X SUV now conformed for early 2015. In an email to customer who have already put a deposit down on the Model X SUV, tesla reveals that they will be building the first production prototypes this Autumn, and that proper production of the Model X will commence in early 2015.

Lexus LF-LC hybrid sports coupe unveiled at 2012 Detroit show

After a series of leaks and early teasers, the wraps have finally come off the new Lexus LF-LC hybrid sports car concept here in Detroit. It's a glamorous 2+2, showing how Toyota's Calty design studio in California imagines a new sports car for the brand. However, all the indications at the 2012 NAIAS show are that it's more an ideas car - and a hint of future styling trends - more than a model bound for a Lexus showroom near you.