Honda Rubicon 500 Front Wheel A Trx500fa #23 2002 on 2040-parts.com

Cummins works on a 28-mpg diesel with V8 power for pickups

Cummins Inc. is developing a four-cylinder diesel engine aimed at giving full-sized, light-duty pickups the power of a small V-8 and overall fuel economy of 28 mpg. The project began in September using the Nissan Titan pickup, which is being used to test the engine, pickuptruck.com reports.

2009 Michelin Challenge Design theme announced

Michelin today announced the 2009 theme for its global vehicle design competition, Michelin Challenge Design (MCD), asking entrants to explore the future of transportation and share their brave and bold vision for 'America's Next Iconic Vehicle.' Designers this year are asked to render unique vehicle concepts that demonstrate emotional appeal, design courage and technical execution. Additional consideration will be given to entries with attributes that benefit safety and the environment and include a separate rendering of the tire and wheel component assembly.   Vehicle designs that best represent "Brave + Bold, America's Next Iconic Vehicle" will be reviewed by a jury of professional designers whose names will be announced later in 2008.

Lamborghini Gallardo pays homage to longtime test driver

Lamborghini is paying tribute to its longtime test driver, Valentino Balboni, by putting his name on a limited run of rear-wheel-drive Gallardos. It's called the LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni, which denotes the 550-hp rating. It's the only current Lamborghini that channels power to just the rear wheels.