Ford brings stop/start system to U.S.

Ford will equip many of its U.S. cars and SUVs with stop/start technology, beginning in 2012, which automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, cutting down on fuel use and emissions. The technology, which Ford calls Auto Start-Stop, will be available with either manual or automatic transmissions.

Nissan Juke Nismo: Price from £19,995

Nissan has announced that their sport take on the Juke – the Nissan Juke Nismo – will cost from £19,995 and is the first of a new Nismo range. For your £20k you’ll get a new sporty Juke with an extra 10 horses thanks to a tweak or three to the 1.6 litre petrol engine in the Juke DIG-T, which means a total of 197bhp, 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and 135mph. Not exactly up there with the Juke R, but more than enough to blat properly round an urban landscape.

Lexus LF-CC promises an appealing Lexus IS: Paris 2012

Lexus has given their LF-CC Concept a public airing at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, a preview of the 2013 Lexus IS. The new Lexus GS has proved that Lexus can build a car with a green halo and offer it with styling that isn’t from the beige school of car design. And now the 2013 Lexus IS looks to be heading the same route.