Mazda to use regen brakes to boost fuel economy 5 to 10 percent

Mazda is adding a fuel-saving technology that harnesses wasted brake energy in the redesigned Mazda6 sedan due early next year. The approach uses regenerative braking to convert kinetic energy into electricity that is stored in a capacitor. The car later taps that capacitor to power the fuel pump, lights, audio, air conditioning and transmission and engine control systems.

Renaultsport Clio (2012) surprises Goodwood

Renault surprised festivalgoers at Goodwood over the weekend when it sent the new 2013 Renaultsport Clio up the hill. The prototype hot Clio appeared twice at the Festival of Speed, driven by chief operating officer Carlos Tavares. Renaultsport Clio at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2012 The go-faster Clio was still wearing its prototype disguise when it went up the hill late on Friday and Saturday, as the crowds were thinning.

Honda Vezel crossover arrives at the Tokyo motor show

For the record, Vezel rhymes with "bezel," and it's the name of Honda's long suspected Fit-based crossover. Honda showed off the new Vezel hybrid model at the Tokyo motor show, though the production model set to launch in Japan in December will also be available with a straight-gasoline 1.5-liter direct-injected engine also. Other details are still slim, but the company did claim a "Sport Hybrid i-DCD" powertrain will get a stronger engine and most likely a dual-clutch transmission with integrated electric motor.