Lancer 02-07 Engine Splash Shield, Lh, Cover, Center on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen launches Car-Net in-car assistance system

Volkswagen has launched an in-car assistance system which will offer a number of convenience and diagnostic features. Not too dissimilar from some other systems already on the market -- such as BMW Assist, Mercedes-Benz'sMbrace, and GM's On-Star -- VW's system will offer roadside assistance, service appointment scheduling, and automatic crash notification. The latter triggers a call from the vehicle to a Car-Net customer specialist when the airbags in the car are deployed, which will then connect the occupants with a local public safety answering point, which can send emergency vehicles to the scene if needed.

New Audi RS6 to get 572bhp V8

The 2013 Audi RS6 looks set to swap its V10 for the new Audi V8 with the wick turned up to 572bhp – the same as the old V10. Most of the new A6 range has now arrived in showrooms – including the S6 and Avant – but what’s still missing is a new RS6, the Audi that used to have the heart of a Lamborghini. But as we reported in April, the 2013 RS6 is well on the way but it will be losing its Lamborghini V10 with its 5.2 litres and 572bhp and will instead get the Audi/Bentley twin-turbo 4.0 litre V8.

Toyota & Lexus news at 2009 Tokyo motor show

The vibe on the Toyota stand is subdued, yet upbeat at the same time. They're chuffed to bits with their new products on show, but we can't help remembering Japan's – and the world's – premier car maker's $4.9 billion loss last year. And it's forecast to lose a similar amount in 2009.