1999 Polaris 600 Xc Sp Gen Ii Chassis Tachometer Tach 6 Pulse 3280250 on 2040-parts.com

Tesla ‘drops’ entry-level Model S. But was it ever going to be available?

The 40kWh version of the Tesla Model S is being dropped by Tesla in the US, but we do wonder if Tesla ever had any intention of delivering it in the first place. Tesla’s big claim ahead of the arrival of the, very impressive, Model S – and a seemingly vital part of the US taxpayer funding Tesla to develop the Model S – was that they would deliver a car that cost under $50k, something the car industry thought impossible. But when the Model S was launched, Tesla did indeed have an entry-level model available with a 4okWh battery that was listed at $58,750 (taking it almost down to the $50k mark after the US taxpayer chipped in the EV bribe) so Elon Musk could, quite reasonably, claim Tesla had delivered.

Japanese Grand Prix 2012: Vettel on pole for Red Bull

Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel has taken pole position in tomorrow’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, ahead of team mate Mark Webber. It looks like Red Bull have found form again ahead of tomorrow’s Japanese Grand Prix, with Sebastian Vettel taking pole position and Mark Webber in second place. Behind the Red Bulls is Jenson Button in the McLaren, although he’ll actually start five places back after a penalty for changing a gearbox after Singapore – probably wise after Hamilton retired in Singapore after his gearbox gave up the ghost.

Design Contest: Michelin Challenge Design announces 2007 theme and call for entries

At the 2006 North American International Auto Show, Michelin Challenge Design announced its theme for the 2007 Challenge. Michelin Challenge Design will ask entrants to explore the future of transportation design using safety as the focus and inspiration. "Road Safety for Everyone" is the official theme in what has become one of the industy's fastest-growing design forums.