20" Black & Silver Rims on 2040-parts.com

New Smart ForTwo and ForFour set for 2014 unveil

Mercedes-Benz's struggling Smart city car division is seeking to add a new dimension to the urban driving experience with its third-generation ForTwo, currently undergoing the final phase of a three-year test and development program ahead of a planned unveiling mid next year. Set for North American launch in 2015, the ultra-compact two-seat hatchback represents a fresh chapter in operations for Smart, which has recently gained greater independence from parent company Mercedes-Benz as its boss, Annette Winkler, attempts to stem years of financial losses after almost a decade of rebuilding following its short-lived joint venture with Mitsubishi. The new ForTwo, known internally as project C453, has been developed in a joint engineering program with the upcoming second-generation ForFour and its sister car, the third-generation Renault Twingo.

Senate passes 'cash-for-guzzlers' bill; Obama likely to sign

The U.S. Senate passed a scaled-back $1 billion cash-for-guzzlers bill and sent it to President Barack Obama for his expected signature. The 91-5 vote took place after 5 p.m.

Audi S5 Sportback revealed

Audi are bringing the S5 Sportback to Frankfurt The S5 Sportback gets Audi’s 3.0 litre supercharged lump putting out 329bhp and delivering 324lb/ft of torque. Which will give the S5 Sportback performance of around 5.2 seconds to 60 mph. This change from big V8s is a shame, but it does result in better economy – estimates for the S5 S/B are pushing on 30mpg – and the reduced emissions help car makers like Audi lower their average emissions, and important consideration these days.