The Pilot's Night Flying Handbook • Len Buckwalter on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen XL1

Volkswagen chose the Qatar motor show to debut its new XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle. The latest evolution of the SEV niche – that stretches back to the 1-liter concept of 2002 – makes extensive use of lightweight materials and hybrid technologies to offer a reported 313mpg. The car's exterior is a clear evolution of the tandem seat L1 from 2009.

McLaren F1 driver finds himself in hot seat

The McLaren F1 is one hot supercar--literally, in the case of one of the 106 built. A McLaren was being driven in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Monday afternoon when the engine compartment caught fire. The car's owner, identified by the Santa Rosa Press Democrat as Irv Kessler, was driving.

Why carmakers say no to battery swapping

There's a strange disconnect surrounding Better Place, the company best known for its plan to extend the range of electric vehicles by relying on speedy battery swaps. Automotive executives are nearly unanimous in dismissing the idea. With the conspicuous exception of Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn, rarely does an executive express interest.