CAR tech: Audi's miracle e-fuel (2013)

Global warming; sky-high oil prices as reserves peak; spiralling crop prices and intense pressure to find fertile land – society faces immense challenges, as it strives to protect the planet and keep our cars on the move. Audi is working on a miracle fuel that could help mitigate these problems, in a facility under construction in the uncompromising, scorching environment of New Mexico, USA.  Not content with having a range more diverse than London’s World Pride parade, Audi is moving into the fuels business, in partnership with US biotech firm Joule Unlimited. The pair are developing carbon-neutral synthetic fuels, called e-fuels in keeping with Audi’s E-tron eco brand.

VW Passat CC gets 5 seat option

TheVW Passat CC now gets a five seat option Cue bevvy of car show lovelies; roll out the big red carpet; bring on the marching band. Volkswagen has big news to announce. The VW Passat CC is getting a five seat option.

Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid recalled over possible battery-cooling system defect

Fisker Automotive is recalling 239 Karma hybrid cars to fix a defect in the vehicle's high-voltage battery. The recall notice, posted today on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site, says the campaign targets all 2012 Fisker Karma models manufactured between July 1 and Nov. 3 of this year.