New Lexus revealed

It's always a joy to see a bit of foreign exotica take to the famous Nurburgring for a bit of a squirt and more so when we know it's accompanied with a stirring V10 soundtrack.

The latest, we've noticed, is the road-going version of Lexus's LF-A super coupe, which we believe is due to be revealed in showroom form at October's Tokyo Motor Show after first stunning us in 2005 as a concept car.

Our spy shot shows us that the debate over the engine's location is well and truly over, with the now much larger air intakes behind the doors of the performance coupe showing that the 5.0-litre V10 is firmly fixed behind the cabin, not in front of it.

There are further clues, with what appears to be a transaxle gearbox and rear-mounted radiators to help cool the supercar's systems.

This car also features much cleaner lines than the open-topped concept that featured at the recent Melbourne International Motor Show, with repeater lamps fitted to the front fenders and redesigned tail-lamps sitting above the rear-mounted radiator grilles. There's also an electronically operated spoiler with a much steeper rake to it than the one that stood exposed from the concept.

Gone are the concept car's two video cameras mounted on stalks fixed at the base of either side of the windscreen, with the production car using conventional door-mounted mirrors.

There's no official Nurburgring time for the LF-A yet but with an expected power output in the region of 370kW, it should be quick. For the more environmentally minded, a 5.0-litre V8 hybrid version is likely to use a similar drivetrain to the Lexus LS600hL petrol-electric limousine.

Expect pricing to fall somewhere north of the $400,000 mark; that's if the ongoing global cash crunch doesn't quash Lexus' desire to have a halo car sitting among its more conservative showroom stock.

Volvo announces plug-in hybrid future

Volvo has announced it will sell plug-in hybrids by 2012 with CO2 emissions as low as an incredible 50g/km.

The firm has already teamed up with a Swedish energy company that has been working on hybrids since 2007.Volvo favours the green technology over a full electric vehicle because, thanks to a small petrol or diesel-powered generator, they are not compromised by their plug-in electric range.

Like the Chevrolet Volt, the new Volvo's average commute is expected to be achieved without burning any fuel, relying solely on an overnight charge. Once the charge runs the generators kicks in. This increases the range and makes the car a much more practical proposition.

To make its plug-in hybrid even cleaner, Volvo has developed a system that relies on a diesel generator that can run the next-generation renewable synthetic diesel that can be made without refining crude oil.

For short urban driving the firm says it will develop a full electric car and is working hard to reduce the cost of batteries while improving their performance.

This summer the firm will unveil three Volvo V70 plug-in hybrid prototypes that will demonstrate the new technology.

BMW launches four M3 Edition Models

BMW has launched four new special editions of its M3 Coupe that feature new colour schemes and cosmetic and suspension upgrades.

The M3 Edition Models get new wheels, a new paint job and interior design. Extra chrome detailing, dark chrome and black trim on the kidney grille, side gills, dual tailpipes and black wing mirrors also feature on the upgrade.

Colours comprise non-metallic white, yellow and black and a metallic blue. Inside, the cars feature leather trim with contrasting seams. Yellow and blue models get color-matched contrasting seams on the armrests and door handles. The door entry bar also features a chequered flag design and an M3 logo.

All M3 Edition Models have had their suspension dropped by 10mm and each gets its own unique 19" alloy wheel with a double-spoke design either in alloy or black. White rims with polished spokes are an option on the yellow cars.