New Volvo Penta Duo Prop Dps Lower Unit 3860765 on 2040-parts.com

New Mercedes A45 AMG has 105 years of 4WD on its side

With the new Mercedes A45 AMG on the horizon – complete with 4WD – Mercedes chart the history of all wheel drive on their vehicles. We tend to think of 4WD road cars as a modern innovation, and certainly very few 4WD road cars hit the road in a mainstream way much before the 1980s (the Jensen FF was hardly mainstream before someone points out that was in the 1960s). But the history of 4WD goes back, certainly in the case of Mercedes, a surprising 105 years when Daimler built the Dernburg-Wagen, a 4WD vehicle that not only got all-wheel drive but all wheel steering too.

Buick plans to add a crossover in 2010, a plug-in hybrid in 2011

Buick's lineup is growing--it's getting a new five-passenger crossover in 2010, with a plug-in hybrid following in 2011. The yet-to-be-named vehicle will be smaller than the Enclave and uses a different version of the platform that underpins the GMC Terrain and the Chevrolet Equinox. The move signals General Motors' renewed commitment to its venerable Buick brand, fortifying it with cutting-edge technology and fresh sheetmetal as the company tries to be competitive with four core brands.

Even better value for business from Lexus with new GS 300h

PREMIUM luxury manufacturer Lexus is adding to its GS range of mid-sized saloons by introducing the GS 300h to the range. Joining the established GS 450h in the range early next year, the GS 300h promises highly impressive CO2 emissions of 109g/km from its 2.5-litre full hybrid powertrain. That could deliver significant savings compared to its key premium market diesel and hybrid competitors, the GS 300h SE could represent an annual saving of up to £2,000 per year.