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BMW 7-series hybrid due in 2009

By Nick Gibbs Motor Industry 07 July 2008 14:30 BMW will launch a hybrid petrol version of the newly unveiled 7-series in 2009, but admits it’s more for green-leaning V8 addicts than seriously eco-aware bosses. Even with the latest lithium-ion batteries, the forthcoming 4.4-litre V8 petrol-electric version will struggle to match the astonishing 39.2mpg and 192g/km of CO2 of the new six-cylinder diesel, especially when BMW will launch stop-start technology for the whole range within two years. The hybrid is likely to cost several thousand more than the £65,000 it’s estimated you’ll need to buy the regular, twin-turbo 750i that goes on sale in November 2008.

Labour Pushes For Kids-In-Car Smoking Ban

IN A MOVE that could see drivers responsible for ensuring all passengers stub out their cigarettes when in the presence of children, smoking in cars carrying children could become illegal if a vote in the House of Lords is passed. As part of an amendment to the Children and Families Bill, Labour wants to see a specific offence created to discourage people from smoking around children. Crucially, the amendment would make it an offence for drivers of private vehicles to fail to prevent smoking when a child is present.

Is this the new Lexus RC F Coupe?

Is this the new Lexus RC F Coupe? These could be Photoshops based on the Lexus LF-CC – which previewed the new IS – but they do have the feel of being real, and if they are then Lexus is delivering up an RC Coupe that’s pretty faithful to the LF-CC Concept and which promises to be a real competitor for the BMW M3. Under the bonnet of the RC F is expected to be a 5.0 litre V8 delivering around 455bhp and 400lb/ft of torque, complete with cylinder deactivation for more frugal running when you’re not wringing the neck of the V8, and mated to an eight-speed auto ‘box with flappy paddles and three driving modes.