Super-rare Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II Shooting Break up for auction

The growing trend for shooting break estates is nothing new. Sleek estate versions of high-end, luxury limousines have been produced at the behest of their ultra-wealthy owners for years – just like this bespoke Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II Shooting Break. And this example could be yours for a snip – it’s going up for auction with Bonhams at the Beaulieu Sale on 7 September 2013 with an estimated price of £12,000 to £16,000.

Lexus IS 300h promises unrivalled ownership costs

The new Lexus IS - launched at Detroit in January and costing from £26,495 for the IS 250 in the UK – actually offers ownership costs that eclipse diesel offerings from the likes of Jaguar, BMW, Audi and Mercedes, say Lexus. Despite the logical assumption that the complex hybrid powerplant in the IS 300h would cost more to maintain, Lexus say the opposite is true. Because it has no clutch and the starter motor and alternator are integrated they require no servicing or replacement and Lexus has fitted a timing chain instead of a timing belt, so it won’t need regular replacement either.

Skoda Superb Combi – Frankfurt Catchup

The Skoda Superb Combi launched at Frankfurt The Skoda Superb Combi. The Skoda Superb Albert Hall would be a better name. This thing is vast, but conspires to look cohesive rather than barn like – no mean feat.