The Chinese have a growing appetite for top-notch cars with the 4,000th Lambo Murcielago also sold to a Chinese customer and now Porsche is ready to debut its Panamera V6 at the Beijing Motor Show in April. The Panamera V6 is an entry level Panamera and so is the Panamera 4 which too will be unveiled at the event.

The Panamera V6 bears semblance to the Panamera S but the difference is that the V6 comes with a dual-exhaust system instead of the four-tailpipe cluster. Other differences include a black window trim and minor styling changes on the outside. On popping the hood, one gets to witness the 296bhp 3.6-liter V6 that renders 400Nm of torque. Courtesy of this engine, the car dashes from 0 to 60mph in 6 seconds while the P4 edition achieves the feat in 5.8 seconds. Both these models will go on sale in May for a German pricing of €75,899 for the Panamera and €84,110 for the Panamera 4. The models shall arrive in US in June.

The Lotus Elise admirers will be pleased to know that Lotus has unveiled the details and photographs of the latest facelifted Elise which will be sold as the 2011 model. Compared to its predecessor, you will notice that the 2011 Elise shuns the dual-teardrop front light cluster and integrates the LED daytime running lights into the main headlight. The extra fog lights are no where to be found on the 2011 edition of the roadster while the Evora-esque front fascia has been remodeled with a wider grille and an updated splitter that gives the car an all new look. On the rear, you will discover that the rear vents on the side of the outer taillights have vanished and the bumper now extends almost till the diffuser. Other than changes to the front and rear, the 2011 Lotus Elise gets better and cleaner engine options under the hood along with a new close-ratio six-speed transmission.

What do you do when it snowed too much and you can’t find your car? Good thing it’s not the case in SA right now, but if you’re in this guy’s situation here’s how you should go about. Or you can always wait for spring …

Honda is all set to lure in the UK buyers with its Limited Edition Honda Civic Type R Mugen 200 which draws its inspiration from the Honda specialty tuner MUGEN Euro’s Type R. As the name suggests, the C Type R will be an exclusive model with only 200 units up for grabs in the UK. The specific model is blessed with the Honda i-VTEC engine that renders a hefty 198bhp. Mugen touches include front and rear bumper skirts, Mugen badging at the rear, 19-inch alloys and a limited slip differential. All 200 units will come done in Championship white and gloss black side mirrors. The Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 200 will go on sale in April 2010.

Peugeot is on the verge of replacing its 407 and 607 with an all new 508 next year and, an almost production ready version of the commuter, the 5 BY Concept will break cover at the Geneva event next month. 5 BY features Peugeot’s Hybrid4 technology, which uses the combination of a diesel engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle.

In the 5 BY prototype’s case, the overall power count is 200bhp courtesy of a 2.0 liter Hdi diesel engine and a rear affixed an electric motor that churns 37bhp. All the power generated is deciphered to the four wheels and the concept manages economy numbers reading 3.8 liters for every 100 kilometers. The commuter gets its design inspiration from the Citroen (sister brand) C6 as similarities include sleek lines with rounded ends. The 5 BY almost looks production ready which is an indication that the 508 will hit the tar pretty soon.

Lamborghini is in high spirits as the Italian moniker has managed to roll out the 4,000th Murcielago from the assembly line in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy.

Lamborghini President Stephan Winkelmann was pleased to achieve the feat as he believed that Lamborghini was successful with its product strategy and model range. Precisely, the 4,000th model was the LP 670-4 SuperVeloce featuring a 6.5L V12 beast that produces 661hp with 660Nm of torque. This amazing engine power helps the car dash from 0 to 60mph in 3.2 seconds while the super sports car achieves a top speed of 212mph. It will be a Chinese customer who will receive this landmark model that embraces Arancione Atla Orange on the outside and Alcantara material with black sports seats on the inside.

Lexus is going to grab a lot of eyes at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and one of the reasons has to do with the fact that the company is going to unveil the new Lexus CT200h the only, full hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment.

Check out snippets from the official press release below:

Featuring second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, the CT200h reinforces Lexus’ hybrid leadership in the premium market, joining the RX450h, GS450h and LS600h L to create an unprecedented range of full-hybrid vehicles.

The Lexus LFA will also be on show at Geneva, offering the opportunity to review the critically-acclaimed supercar in Europe before the initial order period closes at the end of the motor show.

Lexus’ press conference will be conducted by Mr. Andy Pfeiffenberger, Vice President Lexus Europe, and is scheduled for 16.45 on 2nd March, on Stand 4211 in Hall 4.

Hyundai first revealed the HED-5 I-Mode Crossover back in 2008 at the Geneva Motor Show and now a prototype of the Crossover vehicle was spotted by the spy photographers who managed to get a shot of the inside and the heavily camouflage rear.

The spy flicks reveal that the van comes with contrasting leather tones as the driver seat is red while the passenger seat is gray. The contrasting trim usage is consistent through out the car while the light grey trim can also be spotted on the dashboard elements while and a tinge of white graces the multi-function steering wheel. On the outside the commuter is severely guised barring the rear taillights which look like LEDs.

The new Hyundai HED-5 I-Mode Crossover might be the big surprise from Hyundai at the Geneva motor show next month. [via WCF]