Kyb Ss10329 Steering Stabilizer/damper, Front on 2040-parts.com

Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid concept car (2012) first pics

Volvo will showcase its latest plug-in hybrid technology in the new 2012 XC60 Plug-in Hybrid concept car at next week's Detroit auto show. The Swedes have been developing a range of plug-in hybrid cars, using both petrol and diesel. The hybridised V60 which goes on sale in Europe later in 2012 uses diesel, whereas the new SUV drinks from the green pump.

BMW X1 gets updated for 2014

The 2014 BMW X1 (pictured) gets a tweaked front end The BMW X1 arrived back in 2009 as a high-riding Sports Activity Vehicle (BMW’s preferred description for their compact SUV come crossover) and had a bit of a facelift for 2012 to keep it fresh. Now, two years on from the last facelift, BMW has decided they need to up the ante a little (especially with more competition arriving in the shape of the new Mercedes GLA) so the BMW X1 is getting a mild makeover for 2014. The only real changes you’ll notice are tweaks to the front end of the X1 with new accents on the bumper and a bigger air intake, daytime running lights across the X1 range, new 17″ alloys and the availability of Sparkling Brown metallic to the paint colour options.

New Saab 9-5 (2010): Tons of detail +video

The New Saab 9-5 UK The start of 2010 saw a flurry of stories on Saab as the battle lines were drawn to see who would grab control of GM’s troublesome Swede. Eventually – after many false dawns – that fell to Dutch maker of quirky supercars Spyker who – much to the amazement of all – seem to have a very cohesive forward plan for Saab. Forward plans are all very well, but what matters in the short term is making the most of what you already have.