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Nissan’s new lightweight philosophy revealed

The leaked official drawings of the new Nissan Micra might have revealed the conventional styling of the company’s new supermini, but they gave little clue to the dramatically lightweight new platform that underpins it. The new Micra will be significantly lighter and more fuel efficient than the outgoing car due to a ruthless pursuit of weight reduction on the new V-platform (V = versatile), which on average has slashed 50kg from the new car's weight, and up to 70kg on some models. Project leader Noritaka Tsuru described the new package as a 'breakthrough car' that required a complete 'change in mentality' in how Nissan makes cars.

McLaren P1 bare carbon fibre option

McLaren are considering a full bare carbon fibre option for the P1 (pictured) With the McLaren P1 now getting close to hitting the road as a customer car (and arriving at Goodwood on the move in July), the lucky few with pockets deep enough to buy a car that will cost them pushing on £1 million are busy poring over the options for the P1. We spoke to one such customer over the weekend who was busy deciding which boxes to tick on the P1 spec sheet, and he was under the impression that McLaren were offering a full bare carbon fibre option for the P1, and at no cost. Which didn’t sound right.

Lexus NX Compact SUV / Crossover teased ahead of Beijing debut

Production Lexus NX teased ahead of Beijing 2014 There were at least a couple of outings for the Lexus LF-NX Concept last year – the Lexus take on a more compact SUV come Crossover to sit below the Lexus RX – which made it all but certain a production version wouldn’t be far behind. And it’s not. Lexus has revealed a single photo (above) this morning to announce that a production version of the LF-NX – the Lexus NX – is heading for a debut at this month’s Beijing Motor Show.