Motoring news in brief
New Volvo saloon sports sleek coupe design
Volvo has released pictures of its new S60 saloon concept prior to its official unveiling at the Detroit motor show on January 12th.
The coupe-like lines of the car should see it shoulder some of the opposition aside when it goes on sale in Europe in 2010.
The coupe-inspired lines that gave the original S60 its character are more pronounced in this next generation, says company president Stephen Odell adds: "The sporty design gives a visual promise of an enthusiastic drive which the S60 will live up to".
While the concept gets a 1.6-litre, low-emissions petrol unit, there will be other diesel and petrol units to choose from by the time the car gets to market.
New Honda hybrid to be cheapest on market
Honda is to introduce its new Insight hybrid model at the Detroit motor show next month. The five-passenger, five-door Insight is expected to be the most affordable hybrid car available when it goes on sale in 2009. The Insight is expected to have annual global sales of 200,000 units per year and will use a new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy enhancement technology named the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist).
Folding hard top for next generation BMW Z4
As was reported in our Motors supplement some months back, BMW has opted for a folding metal hardtop roof for its new Z4. The two-piece electro-hydraulic roof can be lowered in 20 seconds.
The Z4 also features BMW's new Adaptive M Suspension. Electronically controlled dampers offer three different configurations and lower the ride height by up to 10mm for a more dynamic drive. The car will go on sale in May.