6aw-44514-01-94 Mount Damper, Upper Side, Yamaha F350aet1x on 2040-parts.com

Beijing motor show 2012 highlights

The 2012 Beijing motor show proves yet again that the balance of power and influence in the car industry continues to shift east. With a number of global debuts from both international and domestic brands, the show – which alternates between Beijing and Shanghai – is now a must-attend event in our calendar. In case you missed our CDNLive coverage, here's a chance to catch up: Citroen: DS: an object lesson in how to create a premium brand Citroen DS Numero 9 highlights Dongfeng: Dongfeng’s Hummer Fiat: What came first, the Viaggio or the Dart?

BMW's new M engine needs a better voice

BMW's M division claims its new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine is every bit as good -- if not better -- than the glorious, naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 powerplant it replaces in the new M3 sedan and M4 coupe. The figures are certainly impressive. They say it kicks out 424 hp and more than 25 percent extra torque, with what is described as significantly more than 369 lb-ft below 2,000 rpm.

Toyota RAV4 EV: Electric Toyota SUV not for sale

Toyota RAV4 EV - Not for Sale Note: Update to this story at the end. When we reported back in 2010 that there were plans afoot for an electric Toyota RAV4 (and a Lexus RX EV too, for that matter) it made sense. Toyota had just spent £35 million on a pile of Tesla shares, and done a deal for Tesla to use an old Toyota plant in Fremont which was about fifty times the size Tesla could ever need.