Howe H3044 Double Barrel Muffler on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes GLA 45 AMG on video ahead of Detroit debut

Mercedes GLA 45 AMG (pictured) on video ahead of Detroit deut What promises to be the best performing car in the compact SUV/Crossover segment – the Mercedes GLA 45 AMG – was officially revealed this week ahead of its debut at the Detroit Auto Show. With the same 355 bhp, 2.0 litre turbo engine as the A 45 and CLA 45 AMG – and with 4WD – the GLA 45 AMG offers stunning performance in a high-riding compact shape that promises to embarrass all but the most extreme performance SUVs on the market. Now, ahead of next week’s debut, Mercedes AMG has released new video of the GLA 45 AMG which does a decent job of highlighting the cosmetic tweaks and purposeful stance the GLA has.

VW E-Bugster convertible concept car at 2012 Beijing motor show

Volkswagen, one of the biggest players in China's swelling car market, chose Beijing to unveil its latest E-Bugster - a good look at the forthcoming convertible version of the Beetle. We saw the E-Bugster in tin-top form at the 2012 Detroit auto show; now they've gone and chopped the top fully for Beijing. It's a two-seater speedster version of the Beetle hatch, driven by an 85kW electric drive system; essentially, the powertrain of this car is what will underpin the 2013 Blue-e-motion electric Golf.

Daihatsu FC ShoCase

The FC ShoCase is the most unorthodox of the three concepts being previewed by Daihatsu prior to their unveil at the forthcoming Tokyo motoshow. The 'FC' in the name stands for fuel cell, and this concept is in essence a technology demonstrator for the company's next generation technology, which use no precious metals in their construction. Sitting – like its concept siblings – under the Kei car classification (it is just 3395mm long), the FC ShoCase nonetheless has space for four occupants, seated in exceptionally thin seats that fold down to create a secondary floor.