2004-2006 Nissan Maxima Leather (front) Seats Cover on 2040-parts.com

GM continues work on fuel-saving engine technology

Sometime in the next decade, you might be able to enjoy some of the benefits of a diesel without driving one. A technology called HCCI improves fuel economy 15 percent and releases fewer emissions by using a combustion process similar to what is used in diesel powerplants. General Motors continues work on the project, which could be applied across a range of engine sizes and used with other advanced fuel-saving technologies to help the company comply with the proposed new mileage and emissions targets announced Tuesday by President Barack Obama.

Audi A3 Concept (2011): first pictures

Audi has released first sketches of the Audi A3 concept, ahead of its debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show. Audi is previewing the upcoming A3 with this saloon concept. It's powered by the fan-favourite five-cylinder turbocharged engine in 408bhp specification. Quattro four-wheel-drive and a seven-speed S-tronic double-clutch transmission complete the powertrain.  Sizewise, the new A3 saloon is 4440mm long, 1840mm wide and 1390mm high.  That's longer than the current A3 Sportback (4.3m) but shorter than the current VW Jetta saloon (4.64m). The new concept is slightly wider and lower than the current A3.

Consumer Reports slams new Honda Civic

Honda Motor Co., still struggling with supply shortages of the redesigned 2012 Civic after the March earthquake in Japan, took a slap in the face today when Consumer Reports rated the new Civic "too low to be recommended." The 2012 Honda Civic dropped 17 points, from a very-good score of 78 to a mediocre 61, in the latest Consumer Reports road test of small cars. Previous Honda Civic models have often been Consumer Reports' highest rated small sedans, as well as Top Picks in five of the past 10 years. But the redesigned model was slammed for the cheapness of its interior, poor ride quality, long stopping distances and loud interior noise.