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Rolls Royce Ghost Series II – the Ghost facelift: Geneva Motor Show

The Rolls Royce Ghost Series II (pictured) debuted at Geneva When Rolls Royce gives one of their cars a rare facelift it becomes the ‘Series II’, and that’s exactly what we get at Geneva today with the reveal of the facelift for the Ghost – the Rolls Royce Ghost Series II. Perhaps the most noticeable cosmetic change is the new headlights which make the front look less square and get daytime running lights round the edge,a revised RR grill with slightly more curved uprights, revised bumpers, extra chrome highlights and a new channel running up the bonnet from the Spirit of Ecstacy. Inside, Rolls Royce has added new electric seats in the back which can be angled towards one another, new voice control,  and a new touch-sensitive controller for the 102″ Infotainment screen. Extra choices of veneer are now on offer as is even more extended leather.

Italdesign Tex concept

The second concept from Volkswagen's recently acquired Italdesign was the Tex. A research study into the potential future design language of the German brand, the Tex also draws on existing technologies from Wolfsburg.  Utilizing the 'twin drive' plug-in hybrid system, the Tex is capable of a range of 35 kilometers in electric mode, a range Giugiaro claims is ample enough for day-to-day commuting. Adopting a sporting pretense, the Tex is low slung, sitting atop large 19-inch diameter wheels and sports an aggressive DRG.

Volt, Leaf win top safety rating in crash test

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf electric cars won the highest safety ratings in crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, putting them in the top 57 percent of models tested so far this year. About 80 of 140 vehicles tested among 2011-2012 models have received the Institute's "top safety pick," the group's award for state-of-the-art crash protection that exceeds federal safety rules, Institute spokesman Russ Rader said. The Volt and Leaf received a "good" rating -- the highest of four rankings -- on each of four crash tests, said the Institute, which is funded by auto insurers including State Farm, All-State and Geico.