Dorman 746-158 Tailgate Motor on 2040-parts.com

Four big pickups get low marks in crash tests

Four 2009 full-sized pickups got low marks in side-impact crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a research group for auto insurers. Crash protection is "poor" in crew-cab versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and Nissan Titan without side-impact airbags, according to test results the institute released on Wednesday. The Dodge Ram with standard side-impact airbags got only a "marginal" rating, the institute said.

‘Fire up the Quattro!’ – Gene Hunt’s Audi for sale

IT WAS the only thing that could rival tough-talking DCI Gene Hunt for on-screen presence – and now the famous red Audi Quattro is up for sale. The hit TV show Ashes to Ashes saw Philip Glennister reprise his role as Hunt opposite Keeley Hawes as Alex Drake, but for many it was the iconic 1981 Audi that stole the show. This particular example was bought by a prop supply company for the second and third series of Ashes to Ashes, and featured in all sixteen episodes before meeting a spectacular end by being riddled with bullet holes.

Ford software maximizes hybrid efficiency

Ford will use a little navigation wizardry on two of its hybrids: the C-Max Energi plug-in and Fusion. The system will use GPS data and an algorithm to predict when a driver is close frequented destinations. The car will adjust powertrain controls to maximize efficiency.Ford calls the feature EV+, which is part of SmartGauge, standard on the Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi plug-ins and on hybrid models.