2003 Kawasaki Bayou 250 Foot Brake, Linkages, Cable on 2040-parts.com

Opel Ampera Full Reveal

GM are desperate to grab the headlines with the Ampera in Europe, and they’ve done a full reveal – pictures, video, the works, this afternoon, instead of waiting until tomorrow as was expected. Due to go on sale when is anybody’s guess. The Ampera offers a 50km range from electric charge only, and up to 500 km range when used in conjunction with the engine.

Honda introduces dual-clutch hybrid transmissions

Honda explained its three new hybrid transmission options on Monday. There's one for small cars, one for plug-ins and one high-performance unit, which we assume will be in the next Acura NSX. Amazingly, none are continuously variable.

Future Audis may time traffic lights for you

Here's a trick efficiency-chasing hypermilers have been using for years: spotting the cycles of stoplights from 100 to 200 yards out and letting the car coast up to the light just before it turns green, then carrying on without ever letting the car come to a complete stop. These hypermilers, along with professional truck drivers, do this because they know that accelerating from a standstill burns the greatest amount of fuel, and because letting a car coast up to the light with the automatic transmission downshifting by itself is easier on the transmission than stomping on the brakes right beneath the stoplight. Oh, and it's easier on the brake pads as well.