1963 Porsche 356 356b Super 90 B Tach Tachometer Gauge on 2040-parts.com

European Parliament: electric cars must make noise

The European Parliament has voted in favour of a European Commission proposal to decrease the maximum allowed noise for new cars, vans, trucks, buses and coaches, in an effort to reduce “vehicle noise nuisance” by 25%. At the same time, the EU has voted in favour of a proposal to force carmakers to fit electric and hybrid electric vehicles with a sound generating device, to improve low speed safety for pedestrians and the visually impaired. On Bing: see pictures of electric cars Find out how much a used electric car costs on Auto Trader The proposed changes, which are expected to become law, would see new car noise levels reduced by four decibels, commercial vehicle noise levels reduced by three decibels.

Audi A3

Images of the next generation Audi A3 have been leaked ahead of its Geneva debut. The pictures show that the A3 has evolved gently from its previous incarnation, with more refined surfacing and intricate detailing akin to other Audi models. The familiar full-frame grille is flanked more angular LED lamps, which are reminiscent of the A3 sedan concept of Frankfurt as well as the production A1 supermini.

There's a 2015 Ford Mustang convertible on the way, too

Almost immediately after the Ford Mustang debuted, buyers could choose from three body styles -- a hardtop, a rag-top convertible and a fastback (which actually came out a few months later than the hardtop and convertible). We already knew that the 2015 Mustang will arrive as a fastback (sorry, notchback partisans), but Ford has just announced that a drop-top version is also in the works. Pictures of the convertible sport a shiny "5.0" badge on the side and and chrome "GT" badge on the back, but we assume all the standard engines -- the 5.0-liter V8, 3.7-liter V6 and that new 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo-four -- will be offered.