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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.

Police Tape app can document traffic stops

In a video that looks like something cooked up by elementary-school students, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey touts its new, free smartphone app called Police Tape. The application allows users to review their rights on the spot and to record both video and audio when stopped by police. Once recorded, files can automatically be uploaded to external servers, where they are retained and examined by the ACLU for possible civil liberties violations.

Lexus HS 250h

Toyota's Lexus division unveiled the HS 250h at the 2009 NAIAS. The new mid-sized hybrid will sit between the smaller IS and larger ES models in the company's portfolio, bearing an all-new design with a best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.27 (better than that of the new Prius).  For additional details on the new car and to see our own unique photographs, read our 2009 Detroit Auto Show Highlights. Related Article: Lexus HS 250h - Detroit 2009