1971 Ford Pinto Trunk Emblem 12-1024a on 2040-parts.com

GM expands advanced-vehicle-technology center in California

General Motors unveiled a new technical center dedicated to the development, maintenance and testing of alternative-energy vehicles last week in Torrance, Calif. The company has had local digs for years but recently leased the building next to its existing Advanced Technology Center for an alternative-energy research facility. It now employs a dozen scientists, technicians and engineers to advance the electrification of GM vehicles.

Audi expands use of diesel in U.S. lineup

Audi of America will begin offering 3.0-liter V6 diesel engines in the A8, A7 and A6 cars and the Q5 crossover beginning next year. The four TDI diesel-equipped models will make their debuts next week at the Los Angeles auto show. Audi already offers a diesel powerplant in the Q7 crossover but the 2013 model features an updated engine.

Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept gets 518bhp – heading for Worthersee

The 518bhp Audi A3 Clubsport Concept (pictured) is heading for Worthersee The Worthersee Show is looming at the end of May, and we can expect some extreme and mad concepts from the VW Group queuing up for attention. And among those will be this, the Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept. Based on the Audi S3, the A3 Clubsport eschews the S3′s 2.0 litre TFSI in favour of Audi’s 5-cylinder 2.5 litre, and in the A3 Clubsport the wick gets turned up considerably to 518bhp and 442lb/ft of torque.