1960 Buick 364 Nailhead Engine on 2040-parts.com

Google reveals its first self-driving car prototype (video)

Google’s first self-driving car prototype (pictured) Google might not be the first company that springs to mind as a car maker, but Tesla has already proved that Silicon Valley can produce a car that buyers want and Google are intent on following a similar route. But where Tesla’s USP is its long-range electric capabilities – and a desire to build cars for the market – Google’s goal is more technology orientated and is all about developing self-driving car technology that works in the real world. For the last few years, Google has been experimenting with existing cars kitted out with self-driving gubbins, but now they’ve taken the next step and built their own self-driving prototype.

General Motors to invest more than $850 million to build new V8s

General Motors Co. said Tuesday it will invest more than $850 million to upgrade five North American factories to make its next-generation V8 engines more fuel efficient. The new V8s will differ from the current versions by using direct injection and a new combustion system, spokeswoman Sharon Basel said.

CES: Mercedes-Benz boss talks technology

Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche characteristically seemed to enjoy his status as a car guy amid the computer nerds at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show. “I just came from Detroit yesterday, where some people consider consumer electronics to be a mere accessory to the car, and now I am here at CES where some people think the car is a mere accessory to the consumer electronics,” he said in a keynote speech on Tuesday at the event. Zetsche introduced mbrace2, the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz mbrace (pronounced “embrace”) system.