Magnaflow 337205 Direct Fit California Catalytic Converter on 2040-parts.com

Tomorrow's world: Ford's downsized 1.0-litre Ecoboost

Direct injection petrol and diesel, hybridisation, downsizing, turbocharging, twin-charging the list of efficiency-boosting, fuel saving features being offered in new cars is becoming so long, buying a new one is like revising for exams. Is there room for another? Apparently so, but since there’s no official name for it yet we’ll call it ‘super-downsizing’ or in other words, using a very small engine in a not so small car.

People's Car Project concepts showcased

Volkswagen is currently showcasing three of its vehicle and technology concepts created under the ‘People's Car Project' at this year's Beijing auto show. The Hover Car, the Music Car and the Smart Key concepts – created by users of the website, which has seen 33 million visitors – are just three of more than 119,00 ideas submitted, leading the project to be indefinitely extended as Volkswagen uses the findings to influence its future design strategy. The ‘Hover Car' is an environmentally friendly two-seater city car that, unsurprisingly, hovers above the ground.

Ford bets customers will pay premium prices for the Fiesta

Ford Motor Co. will charge more than $23,000 for a fully loaded Fiesta, a new car smaller than the Focus. Ford thinks consumers are ready to pay premium prices for small cars, which long have been dominated by budget shoppers.