– Base price on the Lexus RX400h gas/electric sport-utility is $48,535, not including the $650 destination charge. The 400h’s base price is $11,760 more than that on the RX330, on which it is based. Lexus says the 400h has more than $6,000 in standard features that are optional on the RX330. The RX400h goes on sale April 15as Lexus’ first hybrid. It uses the same 3.3-liter gas V-6 engine as the RX330 to power the front wheels but it adds an electric motor to power the rear wheels. The electric motor increases horsepower by 38 to 268. EPA fuel economy estimates for the 400h are 31 m.p.g. city and 27 m.p.g. highway, versus 18 city and 24 highway for the four-wheel-drive RX330.
– Porsche will introduce a new two-seat sports car in the 2006 model year, the Cayman S. Porsche did not release a photo of the Cayman or say when it will be on sale. It is based on the Boxster and uses a 3.4-liter, 295-horsepower 6-cylinder engine mounted behind the seats and in front of the rear axle. Porsche will price Cayman between the Boxster S ($53,100 base) and 911 Carrera ($69,300).
– Aston Martin is showing the production version of its V8 Vantage at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The V8 Vantage was first displayed as a concept at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. Deliveries will begin in late summer. This brings Aston Martin’s lineup to three cars, the Vanquish S, DB9 and V8 Vantage.
– General Motors will build a midsize Cadillac at its Saab factory in Trollhattan, Sweden. The car, the BLS, is designed to compete with the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class and will not be sold in the U.S.
