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Flower power
The essence of the new Lotus Exige is that of a racing car. But think piloting a feather, rather than speeding on a machine. The 1.8ltr, 190hp 2006 Lotus Exige outdoes even the most track-minded version of the Elise, upon which it is based, with aerodynamic features that add just enough downforce (48 pounds rear; 42 front at 100 mph) to add confidence. The Exige's custom bodywork-lengthened nose, front splitter, covered roof and new rear wing were engineered for better cornering. So the Exige thrives on any corner it's presented and it's light enough to help a driver focus on and refine his precise braking zone, his turn-in point, apex, and throttle roll-on. The fine-tuned suspension, non-assisted steering, and delayed-action ABS combine to transmit the car's every move and intent to the driver. This car makes time where others must slow down to survive.

The engine, which spins to 8000rpm is actuated by a throttle-by-wire controller that allows for the option of Lotus traction control. What this means is that by the time the car reaches the take-off point, your speed is well into three figures, stick wedged in fourth gear, revs right in the thick of things.

BRING IT ON
From the inside out, the beauty and brains of the 2007 Chrysler Sebring are set to change your driving. Its new look is both bold and interesting but the most exciting feature of the transformed Chrysler Sebring is the availability of the new, corporate Harman/Kardon audio system which includes a 20 gigabyte hard drive to store music files on. And you have plenty of drivetrain options with this one.

STAGING A COUPE
The Audi A7 aims to squeeze into the slender space between the A6 and the A8. Which of the two will it be based on? Neither. The upcoming car is different, not because of its body architecture, which is more SUV than passenger car, but because its oversize wheels make a perfect start for a new set of proportions that mix SUV and coupe elements. To separate the A7 from SUV-style crossovers, there’s also a three-box shape.

COOL ESCALATION
Highlights of the Cadillac Escalade's complete redesign for 2007 include a stiffer frame, a powerful V8 engine, higher-quality interior materials, and a more refined appearance inside and out. These days, there is a distinct preference for crossover SUVs that look like trucks, drive like cars, and get better fuel economy. In such a scenario, the Escalade makes Cadillac look cooler than ever.

Brief Drives
FUME TURNS FUEL
The Ford Motor Company is preparing to roll out a system to capture toxic paint fumes and convert them into electrical power after it completed testing at two of its Detroit-area plants. Priming, painting and clear coating over a million new cars and trucks every year creates millions of pounds of waste.

BACK TO VOLVO
Swedish automaker Volvo Cars has recalled 158,000 cars worldwide on concerns over a potential defect in the handbraking systems of the automobiles. Of the cars that are involved, around 21,800 are in Sweden. The recall affects Volvo S40 and V50 models from 2004, 2005 and, in some cases, also 2006. In addition to Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia, the recall primarily affects the company's main markets of the US, UK and Germany.

PORSCHE POCKET
Porsche will be purchasing 3.9 per cent more of Volkswagen, a move that would give it a blocking minority stake of 25.1 per cent in Europe's biggest automaker. The Stuttgart-based maker of luxury autos said it had filed a request for approval with Germany's Federal Cartel Office for the purchase. Holding a stake of more than 25 per cent would allow Porsche to block VW’s corporate decisions, if it so desired. Porsche spent about US$4.4bn late last year to increase its stake in VW to 18.5 percent, making it the company's biggest single shareholder.