2013 Nissan LEAF updated

Nissan has updated the LEAF EV in Japan for 2013 with better range, less weight and a new LEAF S entry-level model. Revealed in Japan – but likely to come to the UK from 2013 when the LEAF starts rolling out of Nissan’s Sunderland factory – there are significant upgrades to the powertrain which result in both less weight and better range. Nissan has had a play with the electric powertrain and made it both smaller and lighter with a new motor that uses 40 per cent less dysprosium (a rare earth metal) than before, and comes in 30 per cent smaller and 10 per cent lighter, and a new streamline battery case and a few other tweaks drops the LEAF’s weight by 80kg.

Chevrolet chronicles: Camaro convertible is shown to dealers, product notes on the Impala and the Volt, more

The Chevrolet Camaro convertible is alive and well, and car dealers got a sneak peak at the new drop-top this week. Chevy vice president Brent Dewar said the company is still ironing out the timing for the launch of the open-air sports car. It's been reported that the car will go into production in early 2011.

Porsche Design to launch two bikes

Porsche will be joining its fellow car manufacturers when they release two bikes in September. The Porsche Design ‘RS' and ‘S' bikes are designed with speed in mind and will be the latest additions to their Driver's Selection range. The ‘Rennsport', or ‘RS' bike, is a sports bike featuring a monocoque-constructed carbon frame for stability and damping, 20-speed Shimano XTR gear and 29-inch Crank Brothers wheels.