Garmin Gtx 327 Transponder W/ Tray 11/33v 011-00490-00 (0000) on 2040-parts.com

For new CAFE rules, automakers place high-stakes tech bets

Game-changing 2015 fuel economy rules are forcing vehicle development teams to make high-stakes bets on expensive technologies--bets that will separate the winners from the also-rans. Not only do federal rules target a 2015 fleet average of 35.5 mpg, up from the current 27.5 mpg for cars and 23.1 mpg for light trucks; they force automakers to bet on different technology packages for each vehicle segment. Companies that do best at mixing technologies while keeping down costs will have an advantage when buyers wince at higher stickers.

Kia to unveil Cub concept at Seoul motor show

Kia will unveil its new Cub compact four-door coupé crossover concept at this week's Seoul motor show. Designed by Kia's Namyang Design Center in Hwaseong, South Korea, the concept measures in at less than four meters long and is the latest in a series of explorations into Kia's B- and C-segment future models, following last year's Trackster concept and the Provo concept shown at the Geneva show earlier this month. From the single released image, the Cub features another possible direction for Kia's now-familar tiger-nose DRG with a slim, horizontal air intake running underneath two-point LED headlamps.

Volkswagen goes mad in Las Vegas

By Alex Fuller First Official Pictures 02 November 2006 03:33 R GTi: the lowdown VW has cooked up two hotter Golf GTis for the SEMA tuning show: the 225hp Thunder Bunny and 375hp R GTi. This mean hatch is the R GTi, which gets a big helping of carbonfibre to shave off weight and a huge power upgrade. The 197bhp 2.0-litre’s stock turbo makes way for a bigger blower, yielding 375hp.