Concept Car of the Week: Isuzu 4200R (1989)

In the eighties, General Motors-owned Isuzu was fairly successful, but it was suffering from a ‘plain' brand image. To gain recognition, it presented a series of concept cars such as the COA, COA III and Costa but the most effective was the stunning 4200R. Presented at the 1989 Tokyo motor show, the 4200R's graceful proportions and curvy volumes were highly acclaimed by the public and the press.

Aston Martin's Launch Edition Cygnets (2011)

Production of the Aston Martin Cygnet begins in just a few months' time, and the sports car company has announced two special editions to celebrate the launch of its new city car. According to Aston Martin, the Cygnet Launch Edition White and Cygnet Launch Edition Black are being built to ‘exemplify the highly bespoke nature of this unique car.’ Are we alone in spotting the irony of building a run of identical vehicles to highlight the customisable nature of the Cygnet? The Cygnet Launch Edition White is supposed to be about serenity, with Snow White paint, white diamond-turned alloy wheels, and white Aston badges on the outside, and white leather on the inside.

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.