1981 Yamaha Xv750 Virago Valve Covers Xv 750 Virago on 2040-parts.com

Volt, Leaf win top safety rating in crash test

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf electric cars won the highest safety ratings in crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, putting them in the top 57 percent of models tested so far this year. About 80 of 140 vehicles tested among 2011-2012 models have received the Institute's "top safety pick," the group's award for state-of-the-art crash protection that exceeds federal safety rules, Institute spokesman Russ Rader said. The Volt and Leaf received a "good" rating -- the highest of four rankings -- on each of four crash tests, said the Institute, which is funded by auto insurers including State Farm, All-State and Geico.

Renault 4 Ever contest shortlist announced

Renault and Design Boom have announced the ten designs that have been shortlisted in their ‘Renault 4 Ever’ design competition. Over 3,200 projects were submitted by design enthusiasts from 92 different countries after Renault, in collaboration with Design Boom, released a brief calling for designs that re-created the ‘look and style' of the iconic Renault 4, capture the functionality and minimalistic philosophy of the original while respecting its identity and iconic status. The jury also wanted to see innovative design and technology for sustainable mobility.

2015 Audi A7, S7 RS7 Sportback facelift price and specs – costs from £45,875

Audi A7 facelift arrives priced from £45,875 The facelift for the Audi A7, S7 and RS7 Sportback arrived back in May, and although the styling changes weren’t enormous there were some very decent updates all round, and now the A7 Sportback range is on sale in the UK from £45,875. The big news for the A7 range was the arrival of Audi’s frugal 3.0 litre TDI ultra, a FWD 215bhp turbo diesel offering headline economy of 60.1mpg, and the arrival of a new S Tronic auto ‘box to replace the woeful Multitronic CVT. But with the A7 range now going on sale we learn there are quite a few spec changes too to make the range simpler and more appealing.