Valmet Eva

This is the first image of the Eva, a new concept from Valmet Automotive. Currently responsible for manufacturing the Porsche Boxster and Cayman models, the Finnish supplier is also an engineering and manufacturing partner for the forthcoming Fisker Karma. This new concept is claimed to represent the company's ecological vehicle technologies.

Featuring a lightweight body structure combined with innovative electric and recharging systems from energy firm Fortum, the 2+2 seat electric city car is able to achieve a range of up to 160km on a single charge, according to the company.

Inside, the new car is equipped with a pioneering HMI that employs mobile handset connectivity, thanks to the company's cooperation with Nokia.

Ford Focus RS500

Taking the already potent RS as a base, the RS500 features a revised engine that will really get fast Ford fans talking. The Volvo-sourced turbocharged 2.5-litre has been tweaked by UK-based tuner Mountune. The result is a power output boosted to 345bhp – a 15 per cent increase from standard. Plus, torque has risen from 440Nm to 460Nm, to give the engine yet more mid-range punch.

To squeeze out all the extra power, the RS500 is equipped with an enlarged intercooler, which feeds colder, denser air into the engine. A larger exhaust downpipe and new fuel pump have been fitted to keep up with the unit’s higher performance demands.

In addition, the engine management system has been recalibrated to optimise the delivery of power for maximum pace. As a result, the sprint from 0-62mph now takes only 5.6 seconds – three-tenths faster than the standard car – while top speed is up from 163mph to 165mph.

Other than the engine changes, there have been very few modifications to the car’s chassis. The RevoKnuckle front suspension system – which reduces torque steer – remains the same, as does the Quaife limited-slip differential. The brakes are also carried over, although the calipers are painted red to help set the RS500 apart from lesser models. Ford has retained the 19-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels, too, but given them a metallic black finish.

Bertone Pandion

These are the first pictures of Stile Bertone's Pandion concept, leaked out onto the web ahead of its eagerly anticipated debut at next month's Geneva motor show.

Based on Alfa's breathtakingly beautiful 8C Competizione, the Pandion is a 2+2 seat vehicle whose name is derived from a mythical Greek king (the name is also used to describe birds of prey such as the Osprey). Judging from these low-res photos, the dominating design element is its large glass canopy and characterful DLO that blends into the front and rear wheel arches.

Just as rival design house Pininfarina has created an Alfa Romeo based concept for the forthcoming Swiss show, Stile Bertone's show car will celebrate the Italian carmaker's 100th birthday. We'll bring you more details and our own exclusive images.

2010 Toyota Venza

This is a nice iteration of the modern station wagon. It's roomy, comfortable and has a fairly strong powerplant.

The interior is reasonably quiet, with just a little bit of noise seeping in on the expressway. The view of the road is nice, and the interior dials easy to read and colorful. I did think the heater/AC unit wasn't really intuitive. It seemed like I was always looking for what to push and then at another screen to see what was happening. I'm sure you'd get used to it though. There's also a ton of legroom and headroom in the second row, and the seats angle back for more comfort. I'm sure the kids would love that on a road trip. The cabin looks nice enough, but I wasn't wild about some of the materials.

The actual driving is fine for people hauling, but it won't thrill you. The brakes are a bit squishy and there's a lot of pedal travel before it really begins to bite. I wasn't a fan. Acceleration was more than adequate for expressway cruising, and it never felt underpowered to me.