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Volvo Concept Universe: Volvo aims high

Volvo Concept Universe - complete with spangly nose We got the tease on the Volvo Concept Universe, which is what you would expect in this age of pre-launch torment from car makers. And now we get the reality. And we’re not too sure what to think.

Lotus Exige S (2011) at Frankfurt motor show

This is the new Lotus Exige S, just unveiled by CEO Dany Bahar at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. And it might not be the sort of Lotus Exige you were expecting: this new S model now runs the supercharged 3.5-litre V6 from the Evora S, meaning it not only boasts 35% more power than before, but it is also 191kg heavier. Lotus Exige S: the spec Lotus’s long-held mantra has been ‘add lightness’, but Bahar’s future plans call for models to rival the 458, the California and the Rapide, essentially bigger cars with bigger engines.

Mercedes CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake gets a Spencer Hart suit

Nick Hart and his Mercedes CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake Getting a menswear specialist to makeover a high end car isn’t the most obvious route to go, but Mercedes say Savile Row’s Spencer Hart shares a creative ethos with the three pointed star, so it’s a natural fit. And actually, Spencer Hart’s creative Director, Nick Hart, has done his brand – and Mercedes’ – absolutely no harm with an appealing makeover of the Mercedes shed on steroids that is the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake. The Spencer Hart CLS gets a specially created colour - Nick Hart Midnight Blue – and instead of chrome highlights on the exterior Nick has subtle, dark shades instead.