New Volvo Concept at Geneva Motor Show. But what is it?

The Volvo XC Coupe Concept (left) and Coupe Concept will be joined by a third concept at Geneva Now Volvo has its new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), and its new Drive-E engine range, heading for production they’ve been planning three new concepts to show off the possibilities the new architecture and engines promise. The first of those was the very appealing Volvo Concept Coupe which debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year as a 21st century take on the classic Volvo P1800. With stunning looks, a new nose evolved from the earlier Concept You, floating grill and slim headlights, the Concept Coupe also came with a 4WD drivetrain powered by a 2.0 litre petrol and an electric motor for an output of 395bhp.

R8 e-tron electric supercar will be built, Audi says

The Audi R8 e-tron is back on: Audi has backtracked on an earlier decision to cancel production of the zero-emission supercar and will now push ahead with small-scale production two-seater, Autoweek can confirm. The decision is part of a number of sweeping changes made to Audi's research and engineering operations since the arrival of its new head, Ulrich Hackenberg. Citing recent advances in lithium-ion battery technology that has reportedly increased its range from an original 134 miles to close to 250 miles, high-ranking insiders at Audi's headquarters in Germany suggest the R8 e-tron will now go into limited production during the latter half of 2014.

BMW 1-Series gets 4WD xDrive

BMW has announced that the 1-Series will be offered with xDrive 4WD on the 120d and M135i. But the UK won’t get the M135i xDrive. The last few winters in the UK, with heavy snow falls and lots of slip-sliding, has focused drivers’ minds on the benefits of 4WD, so the announcement by BMW that they’re going to offer xDrive on the 1-Series will be welcome news.