Engine Seal Kit-timing Seal Kit Dayco Sk0079 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.

Vauxhall Meriva concept (2008): first official pictures

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 28 February 2008 11:45 This is Vauxhall’s new Meriva, and it will be the first mini-MPV with suicide doors. The car in our pictures is the concept, set to be unveiled at next week’s Geneva Motor Show. It gives us huge hints towards the final look of the production car, which will be shown at the Paris show in autumn 2008.

Ford Focus EV certified at 105 mpg-e by EPA

The Ford Focus electric is officially the country's most fuel-efficient five-passenger car. The Environmental Protection Agency certified the vehicle at 105 miles per gallon-equivalent (mpg-e) in the combined cycle of city and highway driving. Mpg-e is how the government measures the efficiency of alternative-fuel vehicles.