U.S. proposes new labels for fuel economy, emissions levels

Consumers shopping for a new car would be able to compare fuel economy and emissions levels across all types of vehicles by looking at revised labels on window stickers under an Obama administration proposal made Monday. Government regulators are seeking public comment on changes to fuel-economy labels that would allow comparisons across electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles. The U.S.

BMW 5-series is in line for the company's new triturbo diesel engine

Details leaked from a dealer conference held in Holland this week suggest that BMW's upcoming 550dX will be the first recipient of the German carmaker's new high-tech triturbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine. The new engine, which also is destined for the new X5 xDrive50d and X6 xDrive50d models, is claimed to produce 376 hp and more than 516 lb-ft of torque--some 70 hp and more than 74 lb-ft more than the most powerful version of BMW's existing twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine, as found in the X5 xDrive40d. The radical new engine, which is rumored to use two traditional exhaust-blown turbochargers in combination with an electrically driven turbocharger to add low-end response, is planned to be offered exclusively with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.

Tesla Roadster 2.5 breaks cover

Perhaps feeling a bit of chutzpah after a wildly successful stock offering this week, Tesla is demonstrating on Thursday that it still has an eye toward product, revealing the updated Tesla Roadster. And it's available for order now. Called the Roadster 2.5, the car features minor enhancements, including a new front fascia with different diffuser vents (the change is actually apparent) and new rear diffuser.