New Lexus IS to debut at 2013 Detroit Auto Show

The new Lexus IS - previewed at this year’s Paris Motor Show by the Lexus LF-CC Concept – will debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2013. Lexus effectively previewed the new IS with the Lexus LF-CC Concept (above) at the Paris Motor show in September (although that really previews a new Lexus IS Coupe to follow) so we know the new IS is going to follow the current Lexus path of producing good looking cars (like the latest Lexus GS). This time round it looks like Lexus are going to offer a hybrid IS 3000 as the route to the heart of fleet buyers in Europe with a 2.5 litre petrol four-cylinder mated to the usual box of batteries and motor, all running through a CVT ‘box (sadly).

Toyota Auris Hybrid emissions cut to 84g/km

We’ve long believed that car makers better serve their customers by offering ‘Green’ options as add-ons to regular car models, and adding the hybrid option from the Prius to the Auris has seen Auris sales climb steeply whilst Prius sales drop off. There’s only so many buyers who want to shout their green halo from the rooftops, so incorporating green technologies in the regular range opens up far more possibilities for a sale. Now, with the Auris Hybrid sales growing by 69 per cent year on year in the UK, Toyota has had a play to make the Auris Hybrid even more efficient.

Driven: BMW 335i Cabriolet

The 3 series has come a long way. While the original 1975 E21 was initially only available as a two-door sedan, it was soon transformed into a cabriolet thanks to an aftermarket conversion kit by Baur. In 1982, the E30 was a two or four-door sedan until several years later, when BMW offered the "Touring" wagon and the full factory-produced cabriolet.