Troy Lee Designs 25 Corona Ca Since 1981 Black Size Large Long Sleeve 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.

BMW 1 Series M Coupé hooning on the world’s highest helipad

BMW 1M Coupe hooning on a Helipad in LA The BMW 1 Series M Coupe may have had a rather difficult gestation – certainly in terms of its name – but it’s making its presence felt now it’s here. Earlier this month we had a video of the 1M Coupe playing ‘Hole in the Wall’ on a desert road with concrete blocks with 1m Coupe cut-outs. All CGI, but very entertaining nonetheless.

Volkswagen Taigun concept (2014): VW’s new baby SUV

It seems the tailgate-mounted spare wheel could be making a comeback – first Ford launches the EcoSport, now VW has followed suit with this updated Taigun concept. Both cars are small crossover SUVs, aimed at emerging markets, particularly Brazil and India. With the EcoSport appearing in UK dealerships this May, however, we don’t think it will be too long before a production version of the Taigun offers VW’s take on the idea to European buyers as well.