Ford future products: New vehicles get lighter, faster and move upscale

Ford Motor Co.'s future-product focus is on improved fuel economy by making its vehicles smaller and engines lighter without sacrificing performance, safety or luxury. It also wants to push the Ford brand more upscale to capture customers orphaned by the shutdown of the Mercury brand, and to attract new buyers with more product offerings. Ford has said 90 percent of its North American nameplates will be available with direct-injection turbocharged EcoBoost engines as standard equipment or as an option by 2013.

Hangover affects driving ability 'as much as being drunk'

A HANGOVER following a night of heavy drinking can impair driving performance as much as driving under the influence of alcohol, according to new research. Scientists at universities in the UK and the Netherlands found that the effects of a night's heavy drinking last longer than a measurable blood alcohol concentration and that hangover immunity is largely a myth. In research conducted at the University of the West of England, participants who had been drinking the night before undertook a 20-minute simulation of driving in a mixed urban and rural setting.

Toyota's Tokyo treats

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 11 October 2007 10:16 Toyota Hi-CT Concept It's that time again: the bi-annual Tokyo Motor Show kicks off on 24 October 2007, and we're being treated to a flood of teaser information from the Japanese manufacturers. The Japanese show always attracts some crazy cars, and it's built a reputation as one of the few shows where you see some properly out-there concept cars. Toyota won't disappoint this year...