Beck Arnley 180-0227 Crank Angle Sensor-engine Crankshaft Position Sensor on 2040-parts.com

Brabus unveils 850-hp grocery getter

It wouldn't be the Essen Motor Show without German tuning house Brabus introducing its own versions of one or two of Mercedes-Benz cars, with borderline-unbelievable power figures. And this year the Bottrop-based outfit didn't disappoint, rolling out the Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo based on the 2014 E63 AMG station wagon. For starters, Brabus has increased the V8 engine's displacement from 5,461cc to 5,912cc, installing custom-made forged pistons and a precision balanced billet crankshaft, and replacing the stock turbos with ones of their own design featuring larger compressor units.

Chrysler reveals 200C electric vehicle concept at the Detroit auto show

Chrysler LLC jolted automotive journalists ready to see the world premiere of four production-vehicle-based electric cars and trucks at the Detroit Auto Show, adding a surprise electric show car dubbed the 200C EV. Chrysler co-President Jim Press said the 200C and other electric vehicles show "there's evidence here of ongoing investment in the future." The stylish concept car features the same range-extending electric drive system deployed in several other production-intent Chrysler EVs revealed at the Detroit show, including the Town & Country EV minivan, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV and Jeep Patriot EV. Chrysler also unveiled the all-electric plug-in Dodge Circuit EV, a Lotus Europa-based electric concept with an estimated range of 150-200 miles.

Opel product chief Weber quits to take job with yet-unnamed rival

Frank Weber, the German-born engineer who helped lead development of the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera hybrids, is leaving General Motors' Opel unit to work for an as-yet unnamed competitor. Weber has been Opel's product chief since November 2009. His departure was reported Thursday by Automotive News Europe and confirmed by company sources.