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Jaguar F-Type Coupe caught on video at Nurburgring

The Jaguar F-Type Coupe (pictured) testing at the Nurburgring The new Jaguar F-Type is a fine looking car, but the F-Type Coupe looks set to be the real looker, and we shouldn’t have to wait too long before the coupe hits a motor show (probably Frankfurt in September). Ahead of that reveal – with a likely on-sale date of early 2014 – Jaguar are out playing with the F-Type Coupe at the Nurburgring, blatting it round the ‘Ring’s unforgiving surfaces and bends to shake the last niggles out before launch. This particular F-Type is undoubtedly the V8 S – which we expect will get the same 495bhp output as the V8 S Roadster – and it sounds great; a wonderful V8 roar as it pounds round the track.

Volkswagen and BYD get cosy

VW and BYD have signed an agreement to work together on developing battery technology (BYD F3DM plug-in Hybrid pictured). Volkswagen has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese car maker and EV specialist BYD to work together “in the area of electric mobility”. Seems sensible.

Consumer Reports slams new Honda Civic

Honda Motor Co., still struggling with supply shortages of the redesigned 2012 Civic after the March earthquake in Japan, took a slap in the face today when Consumer Reports rated the new Civic "too low to be recommended." The 2012 Honda Civic dropped 17 points, from a very-good score of 78 to a mediocre 61, in the latest Consumer Reports road test of small cars. Previous Honda Civic models have often been Consumer Reports' highest rated small sedans, as well as Top Picks in five of the past 10 years. But the redesigned model was slammed for the cheapness of its interior, poor ride quality, long stopping distances and loud interior noise.