1997 Kawasaki Klr650 Engine Motor *running* on 2040-parts.com

Saturn alerts customers it is considering a spinoff

Saturn has begun alerting customers that it may be spun off by General Motors as an independent marketing and distribution company. In a letter sent to about 1.5 million Saturn owners Wednesday night, Saturn said it would have to line up products to sell--either from other manufacturers or from GM in the role of a vendor--after GM's current commitment to build Saturn products ends after the 2012 model year. "The Saturn Distribution Corporation already exists as an indirect subsidiary of GM," wrote Jill Lajdziak, general manager of Saturn, in the letter.

Chevrolet touts Corvette 427 convertible with race driver Tommy Milner

The 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 convertible doesn't need any hype--the 505-hp V8, a 0-to-60-mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed in excess of 190 mph make a strong statement. Nonetheless, Chevrolet has enlisted the help of Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in a trio of 90-second videos to tout the 427 convertible. In our favorite, Milner talks about the car's aerodynamics, including the optional carbon-fiber splitter, that help keep the car glued to the ground for better control.

Policy, green cars take center stage at Washington auto show

Public policy and the ultimate impact it has on consumers' cars was the hot topic on Thursday at the Washington auto show, as companies vied to show off and explain their latest fuel-efficient technologies under the watchful eyes of regulators and government officials. Notably, Chevrolet announced plans to roll out an "Ecologic" environmental label on the 2012 Sonic, with other vehicles to follow. Sort of like nutrition labels for food, Chevy's version will explain the environmental impact of cars throughout their life cycles.