85 Tecate Cdi Box on 2040-parts.com

Japan hopes to make EV recharging technology the global standard

Japan's automakers aim to cement their lead in electric vehicles by making Japanese recharging technology the global standard and bringing it to the United States. A coalition of manufacturers, including Nissan and Toyota, is teaming with Japan's biggest electric company and the government to make it happen. They aim to corner the market on one of the technologies that will be key to the eventual acceptance of electric-powered cars: the high-speed charging points that will act like gasoline stations of the future and enable drivers to recharge and keep driving after their batteries run low.

JCB DieselMax

Following its display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last month, the JCB DieselMax has recently proved itself the fastest yet diesel-powered car during Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. Andy Green, who in 1997 broke the sound barrier on land in Thrust SSC, piloted DieselMax to reach a top speed of 350.09mph, increasing the existing record set in 1973 by over 100mph. Helping the JCB DieselMax achieve this is a drag coefficient of just 0.174 and two 4.4-liter four-cylinder engines, each producing 750PS.

Mercedes-Benz reveals all-new C-Class

Mercedes-Benz has uncovered the new C-Class – a model aimed at toppling the all-conquering BMW 3 Series. Benefitting from the full might of Mercedes’ technological arsenal, the new C-Class is the most advanced version yet by a clear margin… and in some respects, is the most sophisticated vehicle the junior executive class has ever seen, too. It also takes on a sleek new look, owing plenty to the highly-praised new S-Class, while the interior offers, says Mercedes, an experience akin to stepping from economy class to business class on an aircraft.