2002 Honda F-12 Jet Ski Stator Aquatrax on 2040-parts.com

2012 Nissan NV hauls the goods

On the vehicular-evolutionary chart, full-size cargo vans haven't progressed much beyond the shag-carpeted, porthole-windowed, rolling disco lounges of the 1970s. Not a bad thing for obvious reasons, unless you're a tradesman or anyone else whose business requires a heavy-duty box on wheels to haul tools, equipment or goods. Enter the 2012 Nissan NV (Nissan Van), directed at what Nissan found was the least-satisfied segment of automotive customers.

Meet the 214-mpg Volkswagen Twin-Up concept

Ahead of a Tokyo motor show debut, VW is showing off the Twin-Up concept. Essentially an advanced version of the company's entry-level Up supermini, the Twin-Up runs a modified version of the plug-in diesel-electric hybrid driveline used in the high-tech XL1 for spectacular claimed combined consumption of 214 mpg on the Euro combined cycle along with a zero-emissions electric range of 31 miles. The Twin-Up name alludes to the new car's twin drive sources.

2012 Nissan 370Z Facelift – if you look really closely

The 2012 Nissan 370Z gets a mild tweak - debuts at the Chicago Motor Show The Nissan 370Z is getting a facelift for 2012 – which will debut this week at the Chicago Motor Show – but it’s not extensive. All the car buzz at the moment – at least around new models – is about the Geneva Motor Show in March. Which might explain why the 2012 Nizzan 370Z facelift is getting paraded on a much quieter stage at the Chicago Motor Show. Because we’re struggling to see what exactly Nissan has done to the 370Z for 2012.