Boost Meter on 2040-parts.com

Diesel drivers 'pollution penalty'

DRIVERS OF DIESEL CARS could have to pay more in road tax or face additional levies to travel into city centres in an effort to tackle pollution, it is reported. Major cities around the UK are considering bringing in low emission zones to force out older diesel vehicles that are responsible for higher levels of fumes, The Times said. Almost all diesel vehicles driven into central London will trigger a £10 charge under plans being considered by mayor Boris Johnson, who will also reportedly lobby the Government to increase road tax on diesel cars to encourage motorists to move to cleaner vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz A-class gets the AMG treatment

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed limited details about its most affordable performance model to date, the A45 AMG. Set to go on sale in Europe in early 2013, the rival to the Audi RS3 and the BMW M135i sits at the top of the third-generation A-class lineup. The price, although not yet officially revealed, is expected to start at about 50,000 euros, or $62,400 at current exchange rates).

Tesla Roadster Sport announced

The Tesla Roadster Sport will be available from the summer, for around €112K, and claims a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, a 0.2 improvement on the existing Tesla Roadster. The extra power comes from fiddling with the stator in the motor and an increased winding density for less resistance (I’m sure that must make sense if you understand Electric Motors – I’m still stuck on the internal combustion engine – must keep up!). The Tesla Roadster Sport also gets Yokohama Ultra High Performance tyres and some suspension tweaks.