Cadillac may get future rear-drive hybrids

General Motors' two mode hybrid powertrain, used only in trucks, will migrate to rear-drive cars in the next generation, said Tom Stephens, GM's vice chairman of global product operations. Two likely candidates: Cadillacs, says consultant Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics in suburban Detroit. Last month, GM said it is developing an electric motor that is 25 percent smaller and 20 percent more powerful than the motor used in today's two mode hybrid full-sized trucks.

Jaguar XJ preview (Video)

Ian Callum stars in this video to the left - a preview of the forthcoming Jaguar XJ set to make its debut on July 9th this year. In his words: "The car is very modern, and it certainly meets up the expectations of people who understand design with a capital D, I have no doubt about that whatsoever." Callum goes on to describe the new XJ as a "very well crafted car," stating that it is "also a very designer led car". He asserts that the lines of the car have been reinterpreted in a different way "that actually is right and correct for the 21st century.

AC Cars and Zagato launch 378 GT Zagato

AC Cars, working in collaboration with Italian design house Zagato, has announced its new sports car, the AC 378 GT Zagato. The launch was revealed at last week's Geneva motor show, where the production version of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato – which was, in fact designed in-house by Aston Martin in the UK – was being displayed on the British carmaker's stand. The car is instantly recognizable as a Zagato-designed car, with minimalist, organic surfacing and key features such as the C-pillar/rear window crossover.