Toyota Alphard 2003 F. Right Caliper [0144330] on 2040-parts.com

Lexus hybrid concept to bow at Frankfurt

Lexus is finally jumping into the premium-compact segment in Europe with an eye-catching hybrid concept that will bow at the Frankfurt motor show. The LF-Ch is a five-door full hybrid that takes aim at a younger audience than Lexus typically draws. The car has a prominent grille, wide bumper and air dam.

New SEAT Leon goes in to production

The new SEAT Leon (2013) – revealed at the Paris Motor Show – has started production in Spain ahead of first deliveries in March 2013. SEAT has invested heavily in the Martorell plant in recent years – a shining light of success in a sea of Spanish manufacturing despair – with a £650 million investment in new facilities and R&D making Martorell a modern and efficient facility for the new Leon as well as the Ibiza, Altea and Exeo (and the Audi Q3). Not only has the investment in Martorell secured the jobs of 1600 Spanish workers (and four times as many in the supply chain), it promise more jobs too if the Leon turns out to be as appealing as it looks.

Audi RS3 (2012) gets extended production run

Audi's RS3 hot hatch is back from the dead. The 335bhp quattro Sportback's initial production run was limited to 500 cars for right-hand drive, but pent up demand has convinced Audi to build another 250.    You'll have to be quick though: the first batch sold out in just days after the car's Geneva motor show reveal, without ever officially going on sale. The second run will also cost £39,930. Remind me of the Audi RS3's spec All the numbers are the same as the first 500 cars'.