Dynomax Ultra Flo Welded Exhaust Systems 39495 on 2040-parts.com

Minicars perform poorly in crash tests, study says

Minicars made by Toyota, Honda and Daimler AG did poorly on frontal crash tests with mid-sized automobiles, prompting an influential safety organization to suggest consumers consider buying larger cars that have comparable fuel economy. The Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and Smart ForTwo all collapsed upon impact into the space around the driver dummy, according to the study released today by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Drivers in all three vehicles faced high risk of head and leg injuries after test collisions at 40 miles an hour, even after airbags inflated, said the non-profit group funded by auto insurers.

Vauxhall Meriva – the interior

The interior of the 2010 Vauxhall Meriva A couple of weeks ago Vauxhall revealed the details on the new Vauxhall Meriva and sent us a heap of pictures. Probably the biggest stand-out was the carry-over of the suicide doors from the original Meriva Concept (which we do have reservations about) but overall the new Meriva does look a more than half-decent car. But one thing Vauxhall didn’t do was release any pictures of the interior.

Gordon Murray and Toray Industries build carbon-fiber electric roadster

U.K. design and engineering firm Gordon Murray Design Ltd. and Japanese carbon-fiber specialist Toray Industries have built a lightweight electric-powered two-seater called the Teewave AR.1.