The Focus we’ve all been waiting for since the launch of the second generation model in 2005 made its first public appearance at this week’s British Motor Show in London. Equipped with a 300Hp 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine, the Focus RS will be able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 6.0 sec. Even though Ford maintained the front wheel drive setup of the less powerful Focus ST, the company says that the RS is able to target a class-leading balance of traction, handling and performance. Read all the details on the Focus RS here of follow the jump to see live images of Ford’s lime-green monster at the London show

Popularity: 1% [?]

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the XK nameplate that was introduced in 1948 with the iconic XK120 sports car, Jaguar has launched a special series of the current XK model for the UK market. Aptly named XK60, the special edition series is available with Jag’s naturally aspirated 298 PS 4.2-litre V8 engine, in both coupé and convertible forms. The XK60’s features include bespoke 20-inch Senta alloy wheels, a sporty alloy gear knob and selector-gate surround, a new front spoiler and rear valance panel, chrome-finished side vents and bright upper and lower front grille meshes, special tailpipe finishers and appliqués on both sides of the car. Prices are set at £60,995 for the XK60 Coupe and £66,995 for the Convertible

Popularity: 1% [?]

Europe’s Car of the Year, the Fiat 500 has obtained an all-electric powertrain thanks to the chaps over at the UK based company Nice that specializes on electric vehicles. Produced to order in Italy by Micro-Vett, the first all-electric 500 will be produced in a limited number of units. Details are still scarce but Nice supports that the e500 is equipped with a lithium-ion polymer battery and that it has a range of around 75 miles or 120 km in typical city driving while its maximum speed is 60 mph or 96 km/h. Nice also says that the e500 comes with the full range of Fiat options and extras along with a full Fiat warranty.

Popularity: 1% [?]

The limited edition Renault Megane R26.R made its world premier today at the British International Motor Show. Virtually a track-ready version of the Megane RS 230 F1 Team R26, the R26.R may not have the forthcoming Focus RS’ 300Hp but according to Renault, on 23 June it established a new lap record for a front wheel drive production car of the Nürburgring circuit with a time of just 8 minutes 17 seconds.Based on the Megane 230 F1 Team R26, the R26.R retains the same 230 Hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, 6-speed gearbox (albeit with a short-shift gear linkage) and limited slip differential but with a significant weight reduction of 123kg or 271 lbs. This was achieved with the removal of the rear seats, passenger and curtain airbags, A/C, rear wash/wipe and heated rear window, front fog lamps, headlamp washers, radio/CD player, most of the soundproofing. Moreover the R26.R obtained a carbon fibre bonnet (saves 7.5kg), tailgate and rear side windows in polycarbonate (saves 5.7kg), sabelt seats with carbon fibre shell and aluminum base (saves 25kg)

Renault also upgraded the car’s suspension by re-calibrating the shock absorber settings and adding new front / rear springs and stiffer lower arm bushes. The brakes have also been updated with large 312mm ventilated discs at the front with Brembo four-piston calipers. To resist fade, the discs are grooved as opposed to drilled.

The R26.R accelerates from zero to 62mph (100 km/h) in 6 sec and passes the 1000 meter mark in 25.9 sec. Not that anyone interested in a car like this would car but the R26.R’s combined fuel consumption is 33.2 mpg UK (8.5 lt/100km or 27.7 mpg US) and emissions are 199g/km.

On the outside the R26.R can be distinguished from the carbon fibre bonnet and new 18” alloy wheels in red or black together with a new rear spoiler, plus R26.R decals and logos and tinted polycarbonate in place of glass in the tailgate and rear side windows. Additionally, the car’s ‘Ring time is etched on the windows. Renault’s track ready Megane R26.R is available in seven colors, two of which are new to the Megane, Racing Blue and Lunar Grey and one is totally brand new, Pearlescent White.

Inside the R26.R features competition seats with a carbon fibre shell and six-point harnesses -the first time that this form of restraint has been homologated in a production car. Also the steering wheel and gearlever gaiter are in leather and suede. Furthermore, buyers can opt for a full roll cage.

The Megane R26.R will go on sale in October but production limited to just 450 examples in total - 230 for the UK, 126 for France, 26 for Spain, 26 for Switzerland and 26 for Germany In the UK, the price for Renault’s radical Megane has been set at £22,990 OTR ($46,000 or €29,000).

Popularity: 1% [?]

The MyCar is a funky looking plug-in electric city car from Nice that will make its global premiere at this week’s British Motor Show in London (July 23 – Aug 3). Designed by Giugiaro of Italdesign and made in Hong Kong, the two-seater EV (Electric-Vehicle) will go on sale in the U.K. this Autumn with prices starting from £8,995 -$18,000 or €11,350. While Nice hasn’t given out all the technical details, the company says that the zero emissions city car has a range of around 40 miles or 64 km in normal city driving. The MyCar has a top speed is 40 mph (64 km/h) with re-charge time between 6 and 8 hours. Nice supports that the EV’s running costs are very low, roughly one fifteenth compared to a conventional petrol or diesel model. Depending on electricity tariff used to charge the vehicle, owners are said to pay around 2p per mile. Furthermore, no CO2 emissions means no road tax and no congestion charges in the UK.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Though this has not been officially confirmed, CarScoop has been tipped off that the all-new Lotus 2+2 Coupe, currently known as the project Eagle, will be named “Evora” when it makes its world debut at next week’s British Motor Show in London. The Evora will be available for order from spring 2009 as a 2+2 as well as a 2-seater. The basic versions will be equipped with a modified Toyota Camry 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 Hp. Click here to read more details on the new Lotus coupe.

Popularity: 1% [?]