Beck/arnley 143-0892 Thermostat 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.

Arizona auctions: Plenty of bidders are willing to buy

Friday's auction results from the four major auction houses continue on a strong streak, with sales reports topping even optimistic pre-event estimates. RM Auctions completed its second and final day of sales in Phoenix, posting results totaling an estimated $30.6 million, a record-high amount for this event. The Canadian-based company also garnered the most talked about sale of the day, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL steel-bodied "Gullwing" that sold for $1.375 million.

Ford and Toyota gain, Hyundai soars as industry sees strength

Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. posted slight U.S.