1969 Plymouth Brochure, Roadrunner Gtx Barracuda Cuda on 2040-parts.com

GM expands brake-override safety feature

General Motors is significantly expanding the use of a brake-override safety feature in its cars through the end of 2012. GM announced on Monday that it will add the software, which it also calls “enhanced smart-pedal technology,” in all of its passenger cars with automatic transmissions and electronic throttle control. The change will reduce power to the engine when both the throttle and brakes are pressed at the same time.

The next McLaren supercar will be called the 650S

We've known that McLaren has a pair of additional models in the works, including a Porsche 911-fighting, 12C-based sports car known only as the P13 and another car positioned between the 12C and the P1. Previously, we'd heard the code name “P15” tossed around in reference to that latter car, but McLaren has officially christened it the 650S ahead of its world debut at the upcoming Geneva motor show. According to the automaker, the 650S “takes learnings from both the 12C as well as the sell-out McLaren P1 [ed note: there has to be a better way to say that] and will be positioned between the two on McLaren Automotive's supercar grid.“ We liked the 12C, and we really, really liked the P1.

Aston Martin enters V12 Vantage (2009) at Nurburgring 24hrs

Aston Martin V12 Vantage race car By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 27 April 2009 09:52 Aston Martin will enter a V12 Vantage in the 37th Nurburgring 24-hour race on 23-24 May, along with ‘Rose’, the yellow V8 Vantage that was first entered at the infamous ‘Ring race in 2006. Aston claims the V12 Vantage racer will be pretty close to production spec, bar a revised suspension set-up, some safety modifications (a roll cage) and a reduced kerbweight (goodbye stereo system and other goodies). There are also new Pirelli P Zero slick tyres.