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2013 Toyota Auris revealed ahead of Paris Motor Show debut

The new Toyota Auris – based on the old Auris but with a new look – has been revealed ahead of a Paris Motor Show debut. Even though there were rumours that the replacement for the Toyota Auris would arrive with the 2013 Toyota Corolla badge, Toyota has decided to stick with the Auris badge for the 2013 car, revealed today ahead of Paris 2012 (although we did have a leak of the 2013 Auris a few months ago). With competition from the VW Golf and Ford Focus – and a new-found desire to deliver cars that are more interesting to look at and drive – Toyota needs to be on the mark with the new Auris, and certainly in terms of how it looks the new Auris is a lot more interesting than the bland current model.

Honda Fit EV prices drop

Responding to price-dropping offers from other automakers on their electric vehicles, Honda will slash the lease deal for its Fit EV starting in June. From the current level of a zero-down, $389/month lease, Honda has lowered the price to zero down and $259/month. Also, for any current holder of a Honda Fit EV lease, effective June 1, their monthly lease payment will also drop to $259 a month.

Video: 7 sexiest car-wash scenes on film

It's Friday afternoon, and in an effort to help you faster pass the last few hours of the work week, we want to call your attention to New York Magazine's video slideshow of the hottest car-wash scenes on film. The spread is entertaining enough in its own right, but the real fun comes from the deadpan commentary provided by Debra Gorgos of Professional Carwashing & Detailing Magazine, who critiques the scrubbing skills of these scantily dressed stars. As for the common (in Hollywood, at least) practice of using one's bikini-clad chest in place of a soapy sponge?