1981 Yamaha Xj550 Maxim Magneto/flywheel/oem on 2040-parts.com

Porsche says Panamera avoids gas-guzzler tax

Few expenses were spared in conceiving the Porsche Panamera, but consumers will avoid at least one cost of ownership: the ignominious gas-guzzler tax. Porsche has announced ratings for the 2010 sedan; it will get a combined figure of 18 mpg or 19 mpg from the EPA, depending on the model. This means Porsche’s four-door foray will avoid a fairly substantial cost of ownership--a tax of up to $7,700 is levied on the most prolific guzzlers.

Nissan expects 20,000 initial orders for Leaf EV

Nissan North America will begin taking sales orders for its new Nissan Leaf electric vehicle next spring and expects to have 20,000 of them pre-sold by the time the model reaches U.S. showrooms in the third quarter. “We are confident we will have 20,000 reservations for the Leaf by the time it goes on sale,” Carlos Tavares, Nissan's chairman for the Americas, said Tuesday.

Suzuki A-Star concept (2007): first official pictures

By First Official Pictures 14 December 2007 10:00 Suzuki will use New Delhi’s Auto Expo next January to unveil its latest concept, the A-Star. Aimed at key evolving world markets like India, as well as Europe, the five-door A-Star hatchback will major on minimal environmental impact and real-world affordability, wrapped in what we think is some pretty striking sheetmetal. Details of the A-Star are limited, but we know it will be powered by an all-new Euro 5-compliant 1.0-litre aluminium petrol engine, hooked up to a five-speed manual transmission, that’s said to post an ultra-low CO2 rating of less than 107g/km, combined with exceptional fuel economy.