1x Ngk Ntk Oxygen O2 Lambda Sensor Oza311-r2 Oza311r2 (0126) on 2040-parts.com

For new CAFE rules, automakers place high-stakes tech bets

Game-changing 2015 fuel economy rules are forcing vehicle development teams to make high-stakes bets on expensive technologies--bets that will separate the winners from the also-rans. Not only do federal rules target a 2015 fleet average of 35.5 mpg, up from the current 27.5 mpg for cars and 23.1 mpg for light trucks; they force automakers to bet on different technology packages for each vehicle segment. Companies that do best at mixing technologies while keeping down costs will have an advantage when buyers wince at higher stickers.

De Tomaso assets being brokered

The De Tomaso brand and factory are up for grabs It’s true to say that the De Tomaso brand, probably the most significant of the unused Italian Supercar Marques, has been hawked round the world for years. But this document puts up some real detail, and pictures of the sad decline of a once successful (particularly in the U.S.) supercar maker. De Tomaso was, for a time, a great blend of Italian style and American muscle, but it lost its way badly many years ago and, despite a few attempts to resurrect it, De Tomaso has been off the scene for a long time now.

New MINI Crossman caught testing

The new MINI Crossman caught testing at the Nurburgring [ad#ad-1] Yes, the MINI has become ubiquitous ( to its detriment), and sales have fallen off, despite the plethora of variations on the market. But that’s not stopped BMW from pushing on with the MINI Crossman, which has been spotted testing at the Nurburgring this week. But, although I’ve moaned that MINI has lost its way of late, this particular MINI, odd though it may sound in concept, could be a real winner.