1998 S10 Chevy Blazer - Flex Plate on 2040-parts.com

Chrysler brand aims S line at younger crowd

With just four models and an average customer age of 62, Chrysler brand has the Chrysler Group's thinnest lineup, lowest volume and oldest buyers. But Chrysler has a plan to expand its offerings, boost sales and attract younger customers: a new line of vehicles, dubbed S, that arrives in the spring. The plan aims to keep traditional customers happy with the beige leather interiors, wood accents and chrome grilles they want, and woo younger customers with different styling in the S vehicles.

BMW ‘reveals’ new EfficientDynamics prototype

BMW has established a Web site called www.dontblogabouthis.com with the express purpose of revealing a prototype being used to test a new gasoline-electric driveline earmarked for a future sports car. It’s expected to be launched in 2012 as part of BMW’s EfficientDynamics program. Featuring two short videos and four photographs of a 6-series based prototype, the Web site provides no additional information about the prototype other than to suggest that the car in question is “more than a 6-series”and is “not in its final stage.” Close inspection reveals the matte black BMW mule has a new front end resembling that of the one-off EfficientDynamics concept revealed at last year’s Frankfurt motor show.

Walter de'Silva awarded medal for special services to Bavaria

Walter de'Silva has been awarded a medal for special services to the Free State of Bavaria. Volkswagen's head of group design was told in a letter from the Bavarian state minister of Federal and European Affairs Emilia Müller that he had "changed the form language and design culture of Germany as a vehicle designer," going on to praise his "outstanding achievement with the world-class company Audi". De'Silva says, "I am very pleased about this honor.