1993 Lincoln Towncar on 2040-parts.com

Acura ZDX to be discontinued after 2013 model year

If you're in the market for a new Acura ZDX, consider heading to a dealership soon: Acura has announced that they will discontinue the crossover after the 2013 model year. The all-wheel drive ZDX, which shares a platform with the more conventional Acura MDX, will reportedly sign off with a “single, value-added package.” In other words, the crossover will only be sold in one configuration—which happens to be heavily loaded with luxury features including 10-speaker surround sound, an eight-inch display with integrated rearview camera system and heated, ventilated front seats. Safety-oriented technology like forward-collision warning and lane-departure-warning systems will make their ZDX debut as well.

California rules give push to 'green' vehicles in the near future

California regulators on Friday approved a plan that would require 15.4 percent of new vehicles sold in the state be electric, fuel-cell or plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2025. The rule--supported by major automakers--is part of a broader package of regulations called the Advanced Clean Car program designed to cut vehicle greenhouse gas and smog-forming emissions. The sweeping new auto emission standards could mean 1.4 million electric, fuel cell and plug-in hybrid vehicles on California roads by 2025.

Exclusive: Frank Stephenson to become Design Director at McLaren

Thanks to our contacts in the automotive design community, we've become aware that Frank Stephenson, who until recently was Director of Design at Alfa Romeo, will be taking on a new role as Design Director at McLaren. "McLaren is pleased to confirm that Frank Stephenson will shortly join as Design Director," a company spokesperson told CDN, but would not reveal additional details. Stephenson was not prepared to comment.