Subaru’s rear-drive sports car (2011) at 2011 Geneva motor show

While Toyota unveiled a revised version of its FT-86 sports car at the 2011 Geneva motor show, Subaru chose to only preview the powertrain of its 'Toyobaru' rear-drive sports coupe. Subaru and Toyota are developing the car together, and each will produce a version of the rear-drive coupe in 2012, but so far it’s been Toyota that’s grabbed all the limelight. Yes, though Subaru was originally due to show a full concept version of its RWD sports car at Geneva, but has instead only revelead the powertrain and basic body shape – not the best move, as the Toyota looks good, and without body panels you only imagine this Scooby version to have bland, flat body panels. The engine is a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre flat four, and the car rides on 17in wheels.

The return of the Real MINI

The MINI Concept - heralding the revival of the Isetta and Topolino marques [ad#ad-1] Back in January, we speculated on the return of the Topolino and Isetta marques in a joint venture by BMW and Fiat to launch a range of super-eco city cars to rival those that manufacturers like VW and Mercedes are developing. And according to Auto Express those plans are getting close to being realised. This is a bold move by BMW and Fiat to gain ground over their rivals with models that offer extreme economy, but sport a legendary moniker to give the models added kudos.

Volvo's Mean Green semi breaks records in Utah

The Volvo hybrid truck, a.k.a. Mean Green, achieved two world speed records at Wendover Airfield in Utah, one for the standing kilometer and one for the flying kilometer. It didn't hit its planned top velocity of 165 mph, but 147 mph is still a respectable speed for a truck originally meant for hauling trailers down a highway.