F21-1001 Kenworth Sleeper Heater Control on 2040-parts.com

Audi plans expansion of hybrids, electrics

Audi plans a rapid expansion of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles over the next few years as a key component in Volkswagen Group's strategy to dominate the alternative-powertrain market by decade's end. Michael Dick, Audi's board member for technical development, told Automotive News that the next-generation A6 sedan will have the potential to be a full hybrid by the end of 2012. The A6 would join the recently introduced hybrid A8 sedan at the Geneva auto show and the soon-to-be-launched Q5 hybrid crossover.

Former Chrysler chief LaSorda joins Fisker

Former Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda will join Fisker Automotive as vice chairman, in the plug-in hybrid maker's second signing of an ex-Detroit 3 executive this week. CEO Henrik Fisker said LaSorda's position will include a day-to-day executive advisory role, as the fledgling automaker ramps up production of the Karma sedan at its Wilmington, Del., factory over the coming year. LaSorda will be chairman of the company's strategy council.

Shelby American adds SCCA-ready version to the GT350 Mustang mix

Enthusiasts who want to take the new GT350 Mustang racing in Sports Car Club of America events are getting some help from Shelby American. The Las Vegas-based company, which upfits the 2011 Ford Mustang GT to create the GT350 Mustang, will add a normally aspirated version to the lineup. When Shelby American first announced the GT350 program in January, it centered on a supercharged version of Ford's new 5.0-liter V8 that would make about 500 hp.