Dakota Digital Temperature Sensor Sen-3111 on 2040-parts.com

VW and Chinese ‘in talks to buy Vauxhall/Opel’ from GM

GM is considering selling its loss-making European operations, it emerged tonight. If it goes ahead and severs ties with GM Europe, the General would cede control of Vauxhall and Opel, the second biggest car brand in the UK.And in another extraordinary twist, CAR has confirmed that top-level talks have been taking place between Volkswagen and the German government, which is keen to avoid Opel falling into foreign hands. Chinese car makers are circling but Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has close connections to Volkswagen chief Martin Winterkorn, would prefer VW to step up to the plate as a potential buyer than a Chinese brand.

Ducati 1199 Panigale merges components, sheds weight [w/gallery]

Ducati has released an image of its new 1199 Panigale without its fairings, illustrating how multiple elements of the bike have been fused together to make it incredibly lightweight and compact. The motorcycle manufacturer has managed to reduce the overall dry weight to be reduced by 10kg to a benchmark weight of just 164kg. The monocoque connects to the specially-designed engine's cylinder heads and comes forward to house the steering head bearings.

Fisker Karma Review Video

Fisker Karma Review Video Finally, after a rather lengthy wait, the Fisker Karma is making its way in to the hands of real customers. And real cars means the opportunity to review the Karma, something a US Fisker dealer has put on video. Of course, a video review of Henrik Fisker’s baby from a franchised dealer – even when they get a pro driver to do it – is perhaps never going to be the most objective piece of reporting ever seen, but it does at least give us the opportunity for a real-world view of the Karma.