1949 Plymouth Passengen Door Striker, Original Part. on 2040-parts.com

Secret Service issues call for next presidential limousine

The Secret Service is mulling a replacement for Barack Obama's presidential limousine, the Cadillac-styled vehicle lovingly nicknamed "The Beast." News of the new limousine first reached the Internet via FedBizOpps.gov, the official site for Federal Business Opportunities, which provides listings and contracts for various government projects. (Some other listings included cleaning the kitchens at Okinawa, Coast Guard ship repair, and "Phacoemulsification Surgical Equipment.") It calls for a four-phase development program, which is seemingly straightforward. Phase 1 is armor development -- which is currently underway.

Toyota Yaris & Yaris Hybrid get updated for 2014. Price from £10,895

The Toyota Yaris & Yaris Hybrid have been updated for 2014 Toyota has decided to have a play with the Yaris and Yaris Hybrid, bringing in new trim levels as well as getting the 1.4 litre diesel in to the sub-100g/k emissions bracket. Toyota call the new trim levels a simplification, but you’ll still have the option of Active, Icon (but not on the hybrid), Icon Plus and Trend depending on how many goodies you want to fork out for. The entry-level Yaris Active offers a basic equipment level with electric front windows, USB, and audio controls on the steering wheel, but you’ll have to pick the Yaris Icon to get stuff like 15″ alloys, electric door mirrors, Toyota Touch Media System, rear-vew camera, AirCon and Bluetooth.

Uber smartphone app to take over taxi market?

A new smartphone app called Uber is threatening to put the traditional taxi out of business. The smartphone software allows users to ‘order’ a private car, connecting passengers with regular drivers willing to hire out their vehicles. However, these aren’t taxis… On Bing: see pictures of Uber Wifi hotspots for London’s black cabs Uber originally began in San Francisco in 2009, with users able to book and reserve a car driven by a regular member of the public for journeys via text message or the dedicated smartphone app.