Bosch Bsh 13450 - Oxygen (o2) Sensor on 2040-parts.com

Top 12 consumer car debuts at 2012 U.S. auto shows

The 2012 calendar year brought a lot of excitement in the automotive industry. Sales numbers show a gradual recovery, and pending federal fuel-efficiency requirements have fueled a slew of mainstream green technologies that don't dampen driving dynamics. Among the glitz of auto shows, some of our most memorable reveals from the year include such high-profile machines as the 2013 SRT Viper and Acura NSX concept.

Cluttered-up cars failing MOT test

CLUTTERED-UP cars are causing thousands of drivers to fail the MOT test. Some vehicles are not passing the test as the screenwash is not topped up, the survey by Whatcar.com found. Test centres are also failing vehicles as they have stickers on the windscreen that block the driver's view, while some drivers even turn up for a test sporting no number plates.

Toyota Camatte 57s concept

You may remember last year we reported the unveiling of a customizable, modular little concept car called the Toyota Camatte at the Tokyo Toy Show. This year Toyota has returned with an updated version called the Camatte 57s with more scope for families to personalize their space-framed little machines with a total of 57 external panels (as its name suggests) as well as the removal of the roof which apparently "adds to the fun factor and allows everyone on board to enjoy the colorful exterior they have created". Like last year's car the driving position can accommodate both adults and children with gown-ups sat in the right rear seat able to intervene should the infant pilots go astray.