Avionics Remote Vor/loc Converter Arc B-445a 47240-0000 on 2040-parts.com

Ram heavy-duty pickup gets higher towing rating

Ram has fired the latest salvo in the ongoing pickup war between the domestic automakers, releasing what the brand claims is now best-in-class towing capacity for its 2013 heavy-duty pickups. The 2013 Ram 3500 is rated to tow a 30,000-pound trailer, up from a maximum towing capacity of 22,750 pounds for the same vehicle and powertrain setup in 2012. According to their respective Web sites, similarly equipped heavy-duty 3500 pickups from General Motors are rated at a towing capacity of 23,100 pounds, while Ford's F-350 similarly equipped is rated at 22,800 pounds.

Chevrolet Volt, Sonic Super Bowl ads hit the Web

Chevrolet released its Super Bowl ads featuring the Volt with some intergalactic visitors and the Sonic with insects. In the Volt ad, despite the owner's best efforts to explain the concept of a gas/electric hybrid, the aliens are distracted and take an interest in the owner's wife when she comes out of the house. For the Sonic ad, titled “Joy,” for once bugs on the grille of a car isn't a bad thing.

BBC probe Top Gear 'practices'

THE BBC has held an internal investigation into Top Gear after a string of controversies involving the hit motoring show. The Guardian said that a report examining its "culture and practices" has been sent to director of television Danny Cohen and that people working on the show were asked if they thought it was racist. The show was found to have breached Ofcom's broadcasting rules last month over a ''racial'' term used by presenter Jeremy Clarkson.