Dorman 722-010 Leaf Spring Hanger on 2040-parts.com

Audi, Honda, Hyundai, and GM to bring Android to cars

General Motors, Audi, Honda and Hyundai have joined forces with Google and Nvidia to form the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), their overarching goal being the integration of Google's Android software into automotive infotainment systems. The OAA will use Android's open development model to bring a greater variety of functions to car infotainment systems, which have noticeably lagged behind smartphones when it comes to capability due to long development periods, fast changing technology, and a glut variety of incompatible systems. The alliance's first order of business will be to develop new Android platform features to enable the car to become a connected Android device.

Peugeot HX1 Concept – a low-riding MPV – to debut at Frankfurt 2011

Peugeot HX1 Concept – a low-slung MPV Don’t look at the Peugeot HX1 Concept and think you’ll be walking in to your local Peugeot showroom next year and driving off in one, because you won’t. The HX1 is a showcase for where Peugeot sees the brand going in terms of “…architecture, aerodynamics, modularity, equipment, interior materials, the environment and powerplants.” Just like so many concepts from Peugeot of late – the funky HR1 Concept and the almost Aston Martin-esque SR1 spring to mind – the HRX1 is a crackingly good-looking car. A bit like a Mercedes R-Class with a proper injection of Gallic style and flair.

VW Scirocco GTS & VW Beetle Fender arrive in the UK

Volkswagen has announced two new limited edition models for the UK – the VW Scirocco GTS and the VW Beetle Fender – with cosmetic tweaks. But, despite revealing the Scirocco GTS in Europe in October, it still seemed that VW had no plans to launch the Scirocco GTS in the UK. We did ask VW why, but they didn’t bother to respond.