04 05 06 07 08 Chrysler Pacifica Satellite Radio Receiver 5064074ac Oem on 2040-parts.com

MIT researchers rethink electric-car batteries

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology say a new battery design for electric vehicles could be a lightweight and inexpensive alternative. The goal for the team's three-year project, launched in September 2010, is to have a functioning prototype ready to be engineered as a replacement for existing electric-car batteries. At this point in the project, the prototype uses a “semi-solid flow” to separate the two functions of a battery--storing energy and discharging it when needed--into separate physical structures.

Seat Ibiza Cupra Concept at 2012 Beijing motor show

Seat gave a clear indication that the hot hatch Cupra version of its Ibiza supermini isn't far away, with the Ibiza Cupra Concept at the 2012 Beijing auto show. The Spanish have a long history of producing go-faster versions of its supermini; the first Ibiza Cupra launched in 1996 and the next one, based heavily on this concept car, lands in the UK by the end of 2012. What powers the new Seat Ibiza Cupra Concept?

Vehicles recalled amid airbags fear

JAPANESE car giants Honda, Mazda and Nissan are recalling millions of vehicles worldwide amid fears that a defect in airbags manufactured by supplier Takata Corp could cause them to explode. No accidents have been reported. Honda recalled 2.03 million vehicles over the airbag problem, including 1.02 million vehicles in North America and nearly 669,000 in Japan.