Lexus CT 200h F

New details are emerging about the future Lexus lineup as the company's Australian CEO recently sat down for an interview.
Speaking with Drive, Tony Cramb admitted their lineup has "some pretty major gaps" but several new models are under consideration. While he didn't give specifics, Cramb stated "we need a smaller SUV" to slot below the RX and battle the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK. He also mentioned a high-performance CT 300h and a possible replacement for the ES.
No timeframe was given, but we should learn more information in the coming months.

Lexus LS600h for Prince Albert II of Monaco

he British royal couple will use a variety of coaches to travel between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey for the ceremony – but the heir to the throne of the United Kingdom isn't the only prince getting married. So is Prince Albert II of Monaco – ruling monarch of the Mediterranean enclave – and for his wedding he's gone a different route.At the July 2nd wedding to Miss Charlene Wittstock, the royal couple will be riding in a specially-prepared Lexus LS600h, complete with integrated flashing lights, the royal insignia and the prized "MC 01" license plate. The hybrid luxury sedan is particularly well suited to the task as it can parade around on pure electric mode. In the process, Lexus has become official supplier to His Serene Highness and his principality.

Saabs get BMW power

Saab and BMW have signed a deal that will see the German firm supply Saab with four-cylinder petrol engines. The agreement will see BMW build four-cylinder units, which feature stop-start, at its Hams Hall engine plant in the UK. Saab will use them in its new 9-1 supermini.

The contract was signed by BMW Sales and Marketing board member Ian Robertson and Saab boss, Jan΅ke Jonsson, in Trollhättan at Saab’s base in Sweden. Both companies have agreed not to disclose any financial or contract volume details.

“We are continuing to expand our powertrain system sales business worldwide as planned as part of our Strategy Number ONE. Today’s agreement marks another important milestone along this route,” explained Robertson.

“We are delighted to support Saab with our engine expertise. Our engines have a clear lead over the competition when it comes to fuel consumption, emissions and performance,” Robertson added.

Jonsson said, “It gives me great pleasure to confirm this exciting new relationship. BMW Group’s engines and their fuel savings innovations are widely regarded as a benchmark in the premium segment. We look forward to integrating this technology into our next-generation vehicles in a true Saab way.”

Mercedes, Ford, Chevrolet and Geely win awards

Last week's Beijing auto show was full of interesting designs--some which will eventually make it to the road, while others are shuttled off to a warehouse. The AutoWeek editors at the show found plenty to look at and debate over to decide which vehicles deserved our Editors' Choice awards for the show.

The 2010 AW Editors' Choice Award winners for the best of Beijing are:

BEST IN SHOW: Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break Concept

In much the same way that the Mercedes-Benz CLS rewrote the rules for sedan styling when it first appeared, the Shooting Break Concept will change the way we think about station wagons. Like the CLS, the Shooting Break is a four-door, but with the same kind of swoopy design that evokes a traditional two-door shooting brake. Given that the concept is penciled in for production as the wagon version of the next-gen CLS sedan that will debut at this fall's Paris motor show, we can't think of a car at Beijing that will leave a more lasting impression.

“The Shooting Break was a clear choice as Best in Show. The car is visually stunning,” executive editor Roger Hart said.

BEST CONCEPT: Ford Start

This little four-seater won't ever make it past concept form, but the cute-as-a-bug styling and three-cylinder turbo engine make it the kind of concept that's hard not to love. The car might not see the showroom, but Ford promises that the 1.0-liter turbocharged I3 engine is destined for use in future Ford small cars, where it is expected to deliver the same power as a 1.6-liter I4. That's the kind of concept we can wholeheartedly embrace.

“Great design for such a small car, and innovative use of Ford's EcoBoost technology with an I3 engine,” Hart said.

MOST SIGNIFICANT: Chevrolet MPV5

This Chevy people mover could have picked up our Best Concept award, but as a practical five-passenger small crossover powered by the same series hybrid plug-in electric powertrain as the Chevrolet Volt, it's far more significant than that. The packaging is right for China and beyond, and the powertrain is perfect for buyers looking for what ought to be one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the planet. The flexibility of the Volt powertrain to use diesel, gasoline or fuel-cell power, depending on the market, makes this latest version of the Volt likely a key player in the global transportation future.

“GM is banking a lot of its future on the Volt ... and despite the fact that a production Volt has yet to be delivered to a customer, it is logical to see them take the powertrain and platform and show it in another form,” Hart said.

MOST FUN: Geely Gleagle IG

Geely says IG stands for “Intelligent Geely,” but we think it packs more fun than brains. The little 2+2's gullwing doors give it a sense of joy that only a Chinese company that knows no boundaries can build into its cars. We get a chuckle from Geely's brochure proclaiming that the IG is the “Smart Family Walking-Instead tool” that features gullwing doors and a “front impersonating expression.” We'd like to think nothing was lost in that translation.

“This is clearly a China-only car, but with the gullwing doors and the car's size, it looks like a fun car to cruise around in,” Hart said.