Honda Xr400 Exhaust Header Pipe Xr 400 1996 on 2040-parts.com

Chrysler eight-speed gearbox to boost big sedans' fuel economy

Chrysler Group says its new eight-speed automatic transmission will be the first offered on domestically produced automobiles and will boost fuel economy and cut emissions of the company's two full-sized, rear-drive sedans. The transmission initially will be available on 2012 Chrysler 300s and Dodge Chargers powered by Chrysler's 292-hp Pentastar V6 engine, the automaker said Thursday in a statement. The cars are being assembled and will start arriving in dealerships by Oct.

How VW's XL1 will make your next Golf lighter, faster and more frugal

VW will only build 250 examples of the XL1, its super-streamlined two-seater than scores a combined 314mpg thanks to its plug-in hybrid diesel engine, lightweight construction and low-drag design. Each punter will have to put up around €100,000 for the privilege of saving money on fuel – but don’t worry, because every car across the VW Group will benefit from the lessons learned, all by 2020. Is my next VW likely to be a hybrid?

Honda NSX set to return

Acura, Honda's luxury division, is set to launch two new concepts alongside a showcar preview of the next generation US-market Accord Coupe at the NAIAS in January. The most significant Acura vehicle set to make its global debut is the much rumored and long-awaited NSX replacement, which will be making its debut 23 years after the original appeared at the Chicago auto show. The new NSX concept will adopt a new stance on the super car paradigm.