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VW reveals plug-in diesel hybrid concept, claims 261 mpg

Volkswagen has used a car show in the Middle East nation of Qatar to unveil a two-seat plug-in hybrid concept car that the automaker says will deliver 261 mpg. The VW XL1 uses a lithium-ion battery pack, an electric motor and a two-cylinder, 0.8-liter diesel engine for the powertrain. We're still digesting the press release, but here are some highlights: -- VW says the XL1 can travel about 22 miles on electricity from the battery pack.

New Aston Martin Zagato to debut at Villa d’Este

The new Aston Martin Zagato tease It’s hard not to feel a frisson of excitement at the prospect of the makers of the most beautiful cars in the world – Aston Martin – taking a new creation to our favourite car event – Villa d’Este. Add to that delicious mixture the added ingredient of an Aston Martin by Zagato, and you have a recipe that will justify the trip to Lake Como all on its own. And that’s exactly what we’re getting in less than two weeks time – a brand new Aston Martin Zagato. Aston Martin and Zagato have had a meeting of  mind and body more than once in the past.

Rolls-Royce Ghost V-Specification dialed up to 593-hp

Just before a refreshed Rolls-Royce Ghost debuts at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the British automaker has rolled out a performance edition of its "entry level" sedan with 593-hp underhood. The standard Ghost sedan wasn't exactly short on power until the announcement of the V-Specification version -- the company's 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine produces 563-hp and 575 lb-ft of stump-pulling torque in standard form. Yes, gone are the days when Rolls-Royce declined to disclose exact power figures and simply listed their powerplants' output as "adequate." Now Rolls-Royce is forced to compete in this cutthroat market with its performance stats, it seems.