Land Rover Freelander 2 Tow Bar & Electrics Am6h52f19d520ab on 2040-parts.com

How Lexus execs rescued the GS sedan

Eighteen months ago, Toyota had all but scrapped its plans for the redesigned Lexus GS 350 sedan that was unveiled in Monterey, Calif., last week. At the time, the company was pouring engineering resources into resolving its unintended acceleration crisis and was busy changing quality and safety procedures. Plus, the GS' underwhelming sales in the United States and Europe made for a weak business case against the Mercedes E-class and BMW 5-series.

Concept Car of the Week: Mazda RX500 (1970)

Developed by the Toyo Kogyo Company's advanced design and engineering team, the Mazda RX-500 was described as a ‘mobile test bed for high-speed safety'. Looking at its design, the team's childlike enthusiasm has shone through, resulting in a very cool concept.  From the rakish front to the wraparound windscreen and on to the bread van rear, everything communicates high-tech and ‘70's futurism while also channeling a little of the Star Wars X-Wing. Thanks to plastic body panels, the concept weighs only 850kg and is powered by a 491cc rotary engine delivering 247bhp fitted behind the cabin, in front of the rear axle.

Mini Cooper SD (2014): 104g/km CO2 with 0-62mph in 7.2sec

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 10 June 2014 10:07 Mini confirmed the Cooper SD was coming when it unveiled the new-for-2014, five-door maxi Mini last week. But now it has issued the full spec and details of the Cooper SD and the entry-level Mini One First. The 2014 Cooper SD is the most powerful diesel Mini ever, says Munich, and the 2.0-litre four-pot TD develops a stout 168bhp.