The Volkswagen GTI has also been an adorable hatch but that is not enough at times to draw admiration. Certain power-upgrades can do the trick and that is what UK Tuning House APS has done with the Golf. It has made the iconic hatch touch 250 horses courtesy of a turbocharged engine. The upgrade has also picked up the torque to 395 Nm which gives this commuter a breath of fresh air as far as the engine is concerned.

The tuning house calls this power upgrade-Stage One, which is reflective of the higher power upgrades to come. APS outfitted the Golf with a turbocharged engine that helps achieve 250bhp with 395 Nm and 5800 rpm. Courtesy of this engine, this car clocks 0 to 60mph in 6.2 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 155mph. The price of this ECU is £599.

The entry level XE roadster from Jaguar is finally coming to terms with reality. It is now being told that the Jaguar XE will be manufactured and will have a rectangular grille which is found on the XF and XJ sedans. Speculations are that an E-type grille will surface sometime in the future. Also, the design team is still not sure about the size of the latest XK as they believe that a larger model could challenge the likes of the Maserati GranTurismo as a genuine four-seater. Others challenge the change saying that the XK should remain true to its present size. What we affirm is that both models will use XK’s aluminum chassis. [via WCF]

Performance Hybrids are the new buzz these days and Lexus has put a step forth with its latest Hybrid from the RX series. The new Lexus RX reflects the constant efforts gone in to achieve perfection and efficiency. This SUV returns with class leading CO2 emissions of a meager 148g/km which is comparable to typical 1600 family sedans.

The Lexus RX Hybrid SUV isn’t just about low emissions but the entire process right from the manufacturing outset is very eco-friendly. The plant (Kokura plant) where this SUV is manufactured is an ideal green facility something which the other manufactures should draw inspiration from. From welding robots to maintaining absolute silence at the facility, this is a plant where perfection is strived through discipline.

Check out the press release after the jump

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It is unusual yet pleasing that we will see many hybrid cars and car designs breaking cover at this years’ Tokyo Motor Show. Another addition to the green lineage to be showcased in Tokyo will be the Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept which is basically a design study. This design incorporates many of Subaru’s modern technologies other than just the normal hybrid configuration.

Subaru will use the next generation, horizontally opposed, direct-injection, turbo-charged 2.0-liter petrol engine that will be assisted by twin electric motors. The 10Kw unit at the front will run the electrics and pull the car while going uphill and the 20Kw motor on the rear will power the vehicle when the engine power is not required. Other signature incorporations will include the Lineartronic Contiuously Variable Transmission usage and the signature Subaru AWD. Being a hybrid, it will also use regenerative breaking and the start/stop system to increase efficiency.

Honda calls it the world’s first sports hybrid car and the near production ready model of the CR-Z concept will be showcased at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. First unveiled in 2007, this revised model will include a number of changes including a new hood with revised headlights and a large rear quarter window. On the rear you will find a new hatch, attractive taillights and a sturdier looking rear diffuser. One of the traits maintained from the original design is the single dial instrument cluster. As far as the engine is concerned, the concept runs on a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine assisted by Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist technology. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission which helps the car achieve good efficiency numbers.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon as the name implies is an STI based A-Line hatch that comes with a carbon fiber roof to ensure weight reduction and hence lowered gravity centre oand increased performance. Currently announced for Tokyo, the hatch is an A-Line baby with a 5 speed automatic gearbox and this helps the car reach out to more customers. It will be offered with two engine choices, either a 2.0L turbo option that produces 308hp with 422Nm of torque or a 2.5L turbo that gets 300hp with 407Nm of torque. To add to the comfort factor, the suede fabric has been used on the inside hence making the hatchback a little more luxurious. The Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon Hatch will break cover at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.