1968-1972 Pontiac Lemans Gto Firebird Original Harmonic Balance Bolt 350 400 455 on 2040-parts.com

NHTSA proposes rules for automakers to add sound to hybrids, EVs

Automakers would need to make hybrids and electric vehicles emit sound under rules that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed on Monday. The rules, ordered by Congress three years ago, are meant to protect pedestrians and bicyclists from vehicles that make little sound when using electric power. NHTSA says that designing the vehicles to make noise at speeds below 18 mph would prevent about 2,800 injuries over the life of each model year of vehicles.

Audi Q8 confirmed, or is it the Audi Q9?

We’ve long wondered when Audi would get round to expanding its range of ‘Q’ badged SUVs to include sporty coupe SUVs as well as a new range-topper bigger than the Q7. But Audi Chairman chairman, Rupert Stadler, said back in 2011 that Audi was inclined to ignore the sector above the Q7 and instead concentrate on more compact SUVs. Which makes sense for the European market, but does it makes sense for China and the USA?

Kia Carens MPV (2012) first official pictures

Kia has taken its compact family wagon, the Carens back to the drawing board with the release of the all-new 2012 model, bringing it up-to-date with Kia’s current design direction.   The Carens is the last model in Kia’s line up to receive the ‘tiger nose’ facelift under the direction of chief designer Peter Schreyer, best known for designing the Mk 1 Audi TT.   The revised Carens takes on a sharper, more ‘athletic’ shape than the former chunkier model, offering a more practical, cab-forward take on the sportier looking new Ceed on which it is based.