carnography

Wald International Slags up the Lexus IS-F This is supposed to be Lexus's M3-beater, but as it is, both stock and tuned IS-F are plain ugly. Lexus should have left the IS250 design alone and kept IS-F as discreet as German examples.

Lexus IS 250 Convertible Revealed in Paris I suppose it would look better in the metal, but more effort should have gone into making the IS cabrio more attractive rather than just chopping off the roof. Verdict: a cop-out, considering it will be more expensive than saloon.

Production Renault Megane Coupe Breaks Cover Still a hatchback, but more aggressive front end and rear is sexier than before (although strong Astra GTC design cues at the rear). Come on Renault! Let's see more sexy designs (like Citroen's) rather than ugly ones and your interior are too grey and plasticky.

Peugeot 308 RC Z Concept Revealed Peugeot's TT. My only hope is that Peugeot shows more boldness with the production version ( e.g. keeping bubble roof) because the RCZ could be big sales boost and even be its new halo model in its portfolio. That will depend largely on Peugeot retaining its budget pricing strategy and world renowned chassis engineering to make this thing a crab-crawler around corners.

All New Citroen C5 Unveiled Both saloon and estate C5 great sign of Citroen's revival. German posturing evident in design, but needs powerful V6 engines for both petrol and diesel.

Maserati Bellagio Fastback Touring Goes into Production The Touring is a mistake. Quattroporte should have been left well alone and Touring designed from the ground up like the Quattroporte Coupe.

Touring Superleggera Cars: Official Pictures Released Fiat's parts bin-raiding at its best. However, 8C Competizione's rear end styling will rob Maserati Superleggera Berlinetta's identity. Needs individuality.

SPECULATION: Lamborghini Estoque Name Uncovered - 4-Door Concept Teasers Merged Lambo naming tradition continues by following the hoof tread of the raging bull. The names are becoming more challenging to pronounce (for non Italians) just like a matador dealing with a bull is challenging enough. Lambo needs to expand after Aston Martin's Rapide, Porsche's Panamera and even Ferrari may be next. Performance will be earth-shattering Lambo-style without a doubt, but how about the ride and suspension setup? Estoque is a Reventon from the front (hope they keep it), but rear end is very sexy, sharp and suitable for the saloon body style. Should sell well by Lambo standards, but winning concept design cues must remain in production version.

Very First Volvo Reborn as A Street Rod If this car were a movie, I'll call it Jakob's Ladder.

Very First Volvo Reborn as A Street Rod Hotrod Volvolution! Volvo raids history bin to go all American on us. Hallelujah! Twin turbo 5pot should do it.