2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara Charcoal Canister on 2040-parts.com

Toyota & Lexus: Hybrid sales in Europe hit 20%

The ‘Green’ evangelists want to get us all driving electric cars to save the planet, but in the real world car drivers want a car that offers them all the practicality of a normal ICE car, but without the penalties of the poor range, high cost and inconvenience of an EV. So, with ever-rising fuel costs, it’s no wonder car buyers are willing to pay a little more for a car that offers better economy at the pumps – which plays straight in to the hands of Hybrid pioneers Toyota. The result is that Toyota and Lexus now see a full 20 per cent of their sale in Europe being hybrid cars in the first quarter of 2013, with sales of hybrid cars up a massive 82 per cent year-on-year.

Caterham AeroSeven Concept previews new Caterham in 2014

The Caterham AeroSeven Concept (pictured) previews a new Caterham in 2014 It’s a new Caterham, but a new Caterham that signals not only a new model for 2014, but a new design direction as Caterham moves towards the fruits of their alliance with Renault on the Alpine project. The Caterham AeroSeven isn’t a look at Caterham’s version of the Renault Alpine project, but a new track-inspired road car designed in a collaboration between Caterham Technology and Innovation, Caterham F1 and Caterham Cars. The new Aero Seven’s underpinnings come from a revised version of the Seven CSR’s chassis with pushrod suspension at the front and full IRS with new dampers and springs.

Elon Musk to appear in an episode of The Simpsons

By Tim Pollard Motoring Issues 31 July 2014 09:29 Tesla chief Elon Musk is to appear in popular TV animation The Simpsons, the show’s executive producer has revealed. In a tweet this week, Al Jean said Musk would be in the first of 11 episodes of the next series of The Simpsons, the long-running comedy now entering its 26th season. For a man who’s already founded internet payment facility Paypal, launched Tesla Motors and backing space exploration firm SpaceX, an appearance on The Simpsons is probably just another day in the office for Musk.