Alfa Romeo 156 Phase I 1997-2003 New Original Front Emblem on 2040-parts.com

Banks and Dallenbach ready for Pikes Peak with 1,400 hp

Not content to rest on his laurels after developing new diesel engines for military applications, Gale Banks and his company Banks Power will run a 1,400-hp, 1,301 lb-ft methanol-fueled vehicle up the now completely paved course at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, which is scheduled to take place Aug. 8-12. Banks teamed up with Paul Dallenbach and Leonard Arnold of Dallenbach Racing for the occasion.

Volkswagen hits back, weighs making a bid for Porsche

Volkswagen is considering an audacious reverse-takeover bid for its majority shareholder, Porsche, in a twist in the drawn-out struggle for control between the two German carmakers. The Volkswagen Group's supervisory board is said to be weighing the possibility of purchasing Porsche AG, in a move that would relieve its holding company, Porsche SE, of massive debt that industry analysts suggest the company may not be able to fund should the world's financial crisis drag on well into 2010--a scenario put forward this week by the International Monetary Fund. The secret plan emerged as shareholders were set to convene at Volkswagen's annual meeting on Thursday, and it comes after Porsche revealed that it is carrying some 9 billion euros ($11.73 billion) in debt, most of it owing to interest on loans taken out to purchase its 50.8 percent stake in VW.

Freightliner reveals new truck concept [w/video]

Freightliner Trucks has unveiled a new concept vehicle, dubbed the Revolution Innovation Truck, at the 2012 Mid-America Trucking Show. Freightliner has built upon the first Innovation Truck, unveiled in 2009, and has updated the cabin with the latest technologies while keeping the essential day- and night-time functions of the tractor unit. The Revolution Innovation has been aerodynamically optimized, with a sloping hood, low-mounted grille and an integrated, raised over-cab roof.