Parts Master K8245 Idler Arm on 2040-parts.com

Lexus IS (2013) more details of new 3-series rival

Lexus has pulled the cloth back on the all-new Lexus IS at the 2013 Detroit motor show, and announced more details of its new hybrid 3-series rival. This will be the first hybrid Lexus IS, and UK sales will start in summer 2013.  What do we know about the new hybrid Lexus IS?  The IS300h combines an electric motor with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The torque output is yet to be confirmed, but there's 217bhp and Lexus is aiming for a sub-100g/km CO2 output and fuel consumption of at least 65mpg. Figures like that are likely to grab the attention of fleet managers, as Lexus hopes to close the gap on rivals like the BMW 3-series, Mercedes C-class and Audi A4.  There's a non-hybrid model too, but this IS250 will be powered by a 204bhp 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine. It won't be a fleet favourite.  The IS250h has a six-speed automatic transmission, the IS300h has a CVT gearbox, and both cars are rear-wheel drive.

2013 Mercedes E Class Facelift: The Video

We have the first video of the 2013 Mercedes E Class facelift showing the changes Mercedes has made more clearly. Not just the usual nip and tuck you’d expect in a mid-cycle facelift, but real sheet metal changes and proper upgrades as well as the usual lights and bumpers stuff. But however many photos we publish of the 2013 E Class, nothing really gives you a feel for the changes until you see them in the flesh or on the move.

Hyundai Genesis Hurricane SC prototype heads for SEMA

Hyundai will debut its newest prototype, the Genesis Hurricane SC, at the SEMA show in Las Vegas next month. With the help of Magnuson Products, Rhys Millen Racing, Harman International and Torvec Inc., Hyundai upped the output of its rear-wheel-drive coupe to 450 hp. The Hurricane SC (for supercharged) is the result of two years of development to enhance the power, traction, braking, exterior and interior design and the audio system.