Borg Warner S366 T4 Twin Scroll Turbo on 2040-parts.com

Battery breakthrough set to accelerate electric-car development

A team of scientists working at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are claiming a significant breakthrough in recharging times for lithium-ion batteries. According to findings published in the scientific journal Nature, MIT researchers Byoungwoo Kang and Gerbrand Ceder have unlocked the potential of lithium-ion batteries by patenting a unique process which is claimed to allow a typical laptop power pack to be fully recharged in less than a minute--an improvement in recharging performance of roughly 90 percent over existing lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries generate electric current via the flow of lithium ions across an electrolyte, from an electrode to a cathode.

Still Too Many Having One For The Road

NEW figures point to an average of 200 drivers arrested per day for drink driving related offences over the past Christmas period. The data, from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), show that 6,550 drivers gave positive breath tests or refused or failed to give a test out of 191,040 drivers. The campaign ran from November 29 to January 1 across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Preview: Porsche Panamera

After what has already been the most drawn-out model introduction ever (the initial Porsche sketches of the new model having been revealed in 2005), Porsche has finally released the first official rendering of its forthcoming Panamera sedan, set to be launched in 2009. Though the plan view doesn't show much of the new Porsche's design, the company says the features will 'include a wide and low body offering dynamic proportions and muscular design'. But while the grand tourer will have a 'compact overall look', the interior space is claimed to offer a brand-new experience of roominess, with two single seats and generous headroom at the rear allowing adults to sit in comfort.