Auto Meter 2610 2in Vacuum Gauge on 2040-parts.com

Next-gen Passat to offer hybrid and twin-turbo power

VOLKSWAGEN is going even more upmarket with the all-new version of the Passat, which is due to hit showrooms later this year. Soon buyers will be able to include a plug-in hybrid and an all-new 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel among their forecourt options, as VW goes chasing after its sister company Audi. Weight-saving measures have chopped up to 85kg from the new kid on a like-for-like basis, which helps achieve VW's stated efficiency boosts of 20% versus equivalent outgoing Passats.

Porsche 928 to be reborn as Porsche Panamera Coupe

Porsche boss Matthias Mueller has revealed plans for new variants on the Porsche Panamera – including a Panamera Coupe – and more new models. Porsche boss, Matthias Mueller, has confirmed that Porsche are planning to extend the Panamera offerings with a coupe and probably a production version of the very convincing  Panamera Sport Turismo Concept we saw at Geneva in the spring, although nothing has been signed off yet. The most likely time for the Panamera Coupe and Shooting Brake to arrive is after Porsche refresh the Panamera next year, so we should expect a ‘new 928′ to arrive some time in 2014.

Peterbilt and Local Motors launch online competition

Peterbilt Motors has teamed up with Local Motors to launch a new online competition, the Peterbilt Road Icon Generation 2 challenge. The challenge is to design the next generation Peterbilt Icon, using existing elements of the cab to create a more aerodynamic, modern and stylish product. Designers will have the support and feedback of Peterbilt designers and engineers throughout the submission stage.