VW reveals plug-in diesel hybrid concept, claims 261 mpg

Volkswagen has used a car show in the Middle East nation of Qatar to unveil a two-seat plug-in hybrid concept car that the automaker says will deliver 261 mpg. The VW XL1 uses a lithium-ion battery pack, an electric motor and a two-cylinder, 0.8-liter diesel engine for the powertrain. We're still digesting the press release, but here are some highlights: -- VW says the XL1 can travel about 22 miles on electricity from the battery pack.

New Jaguar XE (Jaguar C-X16) Spy Video

New Jaguar XE Spy video - or C-X16, if you prefer Will Jaguar’s new small Roadster – which we’re persisting in calling the Jaguar XE – actually turn up at Frankfurt 2011? Yes, but in the guise of what Jaguar are calling the Jaguar C-X16 ‘production concept’. We’ve had some spy photos of the Jaguar XE before – and we had Jaguar’s sketch of the C-X16 a couple of weeks ago, which told us nothing – and now we’ve got video of the XE (or at least a cut-down XK mule) out testing in Death Valley.

New Volvo V40 & Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid Goodwood Festival of Speed debut

The new Volvo V40 and the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will get their UK debut at the Moving Motor Show at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Volvo have been on something of a roll since the Chinese took the reins, and are starting to look like they’re capable of moving from the no man’s land between mainstream and premium in to proper premium car territory. The new Volvo that jumps out as capable of taking on BMW and Mercedes is the new Volvo V40, a very stylish and appealing package that looks like it will be able to hold its own against the new A Class and 1 Series.