1989 - 1993 Cadillac Quarter Extension, Right - Passenger Side on 2040-parts.com

Battery breakthrough set to accelerate electric-car development

A team of scientists working at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are claiming a significant breakthrough in recharging times for lithium-ion batteries. According to findings published in the scientific journal Nature, MIT researchers Byoungwoo Kang and Gerbrand Ceder have unlocked the potential of lithium-ion batteries by patenting a unique process which is claimed to allow a typical laptop power pack to be fully recharged in less than a minute--an improvement in recharging performance of roughly 90 percent over existing lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries generate electric current via the flow of lithium ions across an electrolyte, from an electrode to a cathode.

Remember this twin-engine, AWD, home-brew Scirocco?

Obviously, the big problem with the VW Scirocco is that its rear wheels aren't driven. Around a decade ago, a guy named Anson decided to solve that problem by shoving a second VW motor in the rear end of his Scirocco. Sure, VW had done it before, but this enterprising do-it-yourselfer spent just $1,800 on the build.

Virtually sit in the new Corvette Stingray

We're not sure how this awesome 360-degree look at the new Corvette interior flew under our radar for so long, but we're loving the full driver's view of the 2014 Stingray taken at the Chicago Auto Show. The massive improvements in the Corvette's interior are on full display, with the red leather and carbon-fiber accents adding just the right amount of Bad MoFo to what's an otherwise luxurious cockpit. Stay tuned: We're expecting to get our hands on the new Corvette this summer, and we'll bring you a full drive report as soon as we wipe the grins off our faces.