E85 makes inroads on cost and availability

Three years ago, we embarked on a Midwest road trip in search of what was then the Holy Grail of fuel: E85. Our findings weren't too positive--there were far more E85-compatible vehicles on the road in 2006 (5 million) than there were E85 pumps to fuel them (about 700 out of some 200,000 fuel stations nationwide). In addition, those burning the mix of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol were paying a pretty penny for their earth-friendly ways, losing about 15 percent in fuel economy while often paying the same price as for regular unleaded.

Ford Fiesta ST Concept arrives

Ford Fiesta ST Concept Just as we expected, Ford has revealed a properly hot Fiesta to take on the new wave of superminis – like the Polo GTI – and is offering up the Fiesta ST with a 1.6 litre EcoBoost lump which will deliver 178bhp. This is Ford cashing-in on its Fiesta WRC programme to price a proper little hot Fiesta, and in the process turning its back on the misjudged decision to play down performance Fords in our eco-obsessed world. Good.

Concept Car of the Week: Dodge Copperhead (1997)

"If the Dodge Viper is credited for reinventing the Shelby Cobra, then the Dodge Copperhead should be credited for reinventing a car in the tradition of the Austin Healey 3000" said John E. Herlitz, Chrysler Corporation's product design VP. It's hard to find the simple elegance or the charm of the British roadster in this aggressive full-fat American concept with extra cheese; nonetheless, this snake has a dramatic personality of its own.