Harley Davidson Panhead/duo Glide Crossover Pipe. Nos! on 2040-parts.com

Toyota tests chips that improve hybrid efficiency by 10 percent

Toyota announced on Tuesday that it has developed a new semiconductor, claiming it can boost fuel efficiency in hybrid cars by an impressive 10 percent. The semiconductors manage the flow of electricity through the power-control unit that connects the battery to an electric or hybrid car's motor and generator. The newly developed semiconductors are said to consume only a tenth of the energy of today's chips, while allowing the power-control unit to be 80 percent smaller.

Concept Car of the Week: Renault Racoon (1992)

As far as wacky concepts go, the Racoon surely has to be up there with the best of them. Designed and engineered like no other car before, the off-road and amphibious capabilities of the Racoon stretched automobile versatility to new levels. With its big eyes and smiley face, it has the same happy expression as its sister, the Twingo.

Rubens Barrichello does Top Gear

Rubens Barrichello does Top Gear this weekend Top Gear does like to get a Formula One driver or two to drive their track in a reasonably priced car. They’ve not managed to grab the whole grid yet – and they’ve also included a few golden oldies like Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill – but a lot of the big names seem to be persuaded it’s a bit of fun worth having. The top contenders this year have all been to the TG track, bar one.