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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.

CDN-GM Interactive Design Contest August Update

It's hard to believe that the summer's almost over already, and with it your chance to win one of five paid internships (including housing) at GM's Warren, MI design studio in the CDN-GM Interactive Design Competition 2012. There has been some very high quality work coming in since June and with 19 days left, there's still plenty of time to put together your design for the next Buick Lacrosse, Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Camaro, or GMC Terrain. The competition is open to all full-time college or university students from across the US and Canada, and is a fantastic way to make a name for yourself, improve your skills in the "off-season", and get a head start on your career.  The judges and mentors are participating heavily in the comments, so remember to show as much work as possible, from inspiration and mood boards to thumbnail and ideation sketches, in order to get the best feedback for your final design.

Holden will sell cars in Australia beyond 2017

When we heard about Holden's plans to shutter its Australian plants after 2017, we didn't know quite what to think. The General Motors subsidiary was cagey when it came to details, claiming that the brand would remain a presence in Australia -- even maintaining its design office there. Oddly, we couldn't get anyone to say, in black-and-white terms, what vehicles would be sold there under the Holden name after its plants close.