Cb100 Front Rim 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.

Lamborghini Veneno Roadster gets its public debut on an Aircraft Carrier in Abu Dhabi

The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster (pictured) debuts in Abu Dhabi Depending on your point of view, the Lamborghini Veneno Roadster is either the summit of Lamborghini’s extreme cars or a cynical exercise to milk cash from those with more money than sense. An open-topped version of the equally cynical Lamborghini Veneno Coupe, Lamborghini say the Roadster has the aerodynamic efficiency of a racing prototype thanks to its perfect airflow and downforce and its stiff and light CFRP monocoque and body panels. But at £3.35 million, the Veneno Roadster costs ten times the equivalent – and just as quick – Aventador Roadster, so you’re paying a huge premium for one of the nine Veneno Roadsters Lamborghini are planning to build in 2014.

Caterham sells F1 team

Caterham The Caterham Formula 1 team has been sold to a consortium of Swiss and Middle-Eastern investors following a poor season so far in 2014. Rumours that Caterham would cut its losses have been rife, since team founder Tony Fernandes threatened to quit if things didn't improve this year. The team is currently bottom in the championship and Fernandes hinted of an exit last week, when he tweeted “F1 hasn't worked, but love Caterham Cars.” Graham Macdonald, Caterham Group CEO: “Firstly I want to thank everyone who was involved in the F1 team for all their hard work and dedication since the team’s first days in 2009.