2000 S80 Center Cap on 2040-parts.com

Minicars perform poorly in crash tests, study says

Minicars made by Toyota, Honda and Daimler AG did poorly on frontal crash tests with mid-sized automobiles, prompting an influential safety organization to suggest consumers consider buying larger cars that have comparable fuel economy. The Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and Smart ForTwo all collapsed upon impact into the space around the driver dummy, according to the study released today by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Drivers in all three vehicles faced high risk of head and leg injuries after test collisions at 40 miles an hour, even after airbags inflated, said the non-profit group funded by auto insurers.

Mercedes confirms electric AMG SLS

By Richard Webber First Official Pictures 17 July 2009 09:46 Mercedes’ new AMG SLS – the gullwinged  GT supercar due to appear at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show – is going electric as engineers develop an emissions-free battery powered SLS as an alternative to the 563bhp V8. The eco SLS will have an electric motor powering each wheel, producing a total of 526bhp. Needless to say, for now it remains an engineering prototype – but a spokeswoman told CAR that Mercedes was intent on putting it into production.

Alfa Romeo Mito Twinair (2012) first official pictures

Alfa Romeo has plumbed Fiat's brilliant and novel two-cylinder engine - the Twinair - into its Mito supermini. The result is the most economical premium supermini on sale, returning in excess of 67mpg. The Mito Twinair will cost £14,510 when it goes on sale on 30 September 2012.