08 09 Ford Escape Trunk/hatch/tailgate Privacy Glass on 2040-parts.com

smart fortwo gets a facelift for 2012

The smart fortwo gets a nip and tuck for 2012 The smart fortwo has been given a small cosmetic facelift for 2012, and will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The perpetual loss-maker for Mercedes that is the smart car (the other being Maybach, which is now being left to wither on the vine) still continues, and Mercedes are planning a replacement, previewed by the recent smart forvision concept which heralds the new smart fortwo which will share its platform with the next Renault Twingo. But to freshen the current smart fortwo until the all new smart fortwo arrives, Mercedes has rolled out a few cosmetic tweaks for the current smart fortwo for 2012, but haven’t bothered to tweak either the chassis or engines.

CAFE standard set at 54.5 mpg by 2025

The final version of the new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standard was released today and, as expected, automakers will need to attain a fleet average of 54.5 mpg by 2025. The rules include electric and hybrid vehicles and—as of today—natural gas vehicles. The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed the rules in November, after reaching an agreement with automakers last July.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante leaks

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4-Spyder Performante at LA Lamborghini has commited to bringing a new model to every motor show. Sadly, that means a new model in whatever minor variation on a theme Sant’Agata can muster rather than an all new model. Still, a real new model every motor show would be pushing it even for Audi, and a new variant each motor show is still impressive from a company with just one current model – the Gallardo.