T-motor Vtol-prop V18x7.2 on 2040-parts.com

New Land Rover Defender – Project Icon

Land Rover are planning a new Defender to launch in 2012 As always, the Defender is going to be the traditional Land Rover as – unlike the rest of the Land Rover Range which is moving over to aluminium platforms – the new Defender will be based on the existing – and very capable – current model Discovery platform. The use of the T5, twin rail steel chassis from the Discovery is vital if the Defender is to continue to offer the range of body styles currently available – including hard and soft tops – which make the Defender the versatile work horse it is. But the Defender will still be going on a diet and will be a lighter car than the current Model.

Lexus IS F ends production to make way for the new Lexus RC F

The Lexus IS F is no more The Lexus IS F was the car Lexus hoped would take the fight to cars like the BMW M3. But in the 7 years the IS F has been on sale it’s only managed to shift around 11,000 units, partly because it just didn’t have the dynamics or power of the M3, but also because few yet consider Lexus a ‘Performance’ brand. So the Lexus IS F has now ended production after a less than stellar sales showing, and Lexus are instead pinning their hopes for a credible M3 beater in the new RC F.

SEAT Leon Cupra R at Frankfurt

SEAT are bringing the 265bhp SEAT Leon Cupra R to Frankfurt The 265bhp 4-pot turbo in the Cupra R produces 265 bhp, and manages to polish off the 0-060mph sprint in 6 seconds, and on to 155mph. But it’s no sluggard on the economy front, achieving almost 35mph average. The Cupra R comes shod with a set of 19″ alloys, which hide a formidable set of 17″ discs (16″ at the back).