Chrysler 241 Piston Rings, Trw/muskegon, 3 7/16 Inch; Nos. Item: 3848 on 2040-parts.com

Win a signed sketch of the Renault Dezir concept

The new October 2010 issue of CAR Magazine features a beautiful shoot of Renault’s new Dezir, a rear-wheel drive electric supercar concept that will be unveiled at the 2010 Paris motor show. And CAR’s editor Phil McNamara has been to Paris early, for an audience with Renault’s design director Laurens van den Acker, and to see the stunning Dezir in the metal. It’s the first of six concept cars from Renault, before we see the new van den Acker-led design language appear on the Clio 4 in 18 months time.

BMW's new 5-series next for hybrid power

The new BMW 5-series being launched this winter is likely to be the next BMW to receive the ActiveHybrid system pioneered on the petrol-electric 7-series and X6 models. BMW engineers admit they can't rely on sales of the pricey hybrid 7-series and X6 to justify the development costs, even though these range-topping halo hybrids were jointly developed with Daimler and GM. Senior sources have indicated that the new 2010 5-series will be the next BMW to get an ActiveHybrid model.

Lotus Group CEO Dany Bahar suspended, facing investigation

Lotus Group chief executive officer Dany Bahar has been suspended and is facing an investigation following an undisclosed conduct complaint. While there is no official word on the nature of the complaint against Bahar, the The Daily Telegraph reports that it might be related to expenses claimed by Bahar or a legal dispute surrounding renovations on one of two Norwich, England, rental homes paid for by Lotus. Bahar's suspension has heightened the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Lotus Group.