Ford Distributor Rotor on 2040-parts.com

International Engine of the Year Awards to focus on fuel efficiency

Like the Oscars of the Otto cycle, the Grammys of gasoline, the International Engine of the Year Awards are a big deal in the industry. For 2013, the awards will continue to focus on green technology, pitting gasoline, compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid and all-electric powerplants against each other for the title of "international engine of the year." Ford's 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine took top honors last year. Besides the top award, other categories include best green engine, best new engine and best performance engine, each voted on by journalists from around the world.

BMW 5-Series GT introduces liftback model

BMW will bring the elevated seating and packaging of an SUV to its 5-series line with the addition of a liftback model called the Grand Turismo or, simply, GT. The automaker is now revealing the production look for the vehicle, which will debut at this fall's Frankfurt motor show after having been previewed as a concept car at the Geneva show in March. It will go on sale in the United States in December, priced in the low-$70,000s range.

Kia going rear drive

Kia told its dealers it will launch a new full-size rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan in the U.S., and it is expected to be in showrooms here early next year. Kia's first-ever U.S. RWD production sedan will be called the K900 and is the same vehicle sold as the K9 in South Korea and as the Quoris in other overseas markets.