04 05 Bmw 530i Brake Master Cyl on 2040-parts.com

After much hype (and one van), Mazda rethinks design plan

After four years of hyping its curvy, fluid Nagare styling philosophy--but developing only one production vehicle with the look--Mazda has changed design course. Now the Japanese carmaker wants to go with a simpler, more upscale style. So the design language seen in the Shinari concept car being unveiled at the Los Angeles auto show this week represents Mazda's future.

Formula One: Ferrari's Montezemolo to run for Italian presidency?

Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo has stirred the pot in Italy with reports saying he will run for the Italian presidency in 2013, but Montezemolo himself has denied tales of his presidential ambitions. Montezemolo has made it known that he wants to see economic and structural reform in his homeland. The Italian also has repeatedly hinted at his political yearnings.

Electric Fiat 500e costs the same as 500 Pop – in the US

Sergio Marchionne reckoned Fiat would lose £7k on every 500e they sell, but that may be a very conservative estimate judging by the deal Fiat has put together for the 500e in California, where it’s just launched. For a very modest down-payment of £650 and then £130 a month, you can drive off in a brand new Fiat 500e. That’s exactly the same deal Fiat offers on the 500 Pop – a car that cost under £10k in the UK – making the 500e the first EV we’ve come across where costs are sensible.