Magnaflow California Converter 456019 Direct Fit California Catalytic Converter on 2040-parts.com

Center stack is new high-stakes battleground; showdown with safety regulators looms

For auto suppliers and gadget companies eager to get a piece of the auto industry, the hottest chunk of vehicle real estate now is the center stack. That corridor of interior space, running from the driver's right hip up through the center of the cockpit to the bottom of the windshield, has become a California gold rush of opportunity. But it is less so for traditional suppliers of molded plastics, cables, levers, buttons and radios.

2015 Honda Civic Type R previewed on video with ‘at least 276 bhp’

2015 Honda Civic Type R previewed on video with ‘at least 276 bhp’ The Honda Civic Type R has died a death as new emission regulations sounded the death knell for the high-revving naturally aspirated lump under its bonnet. But Honda are planning on bringing the Type R back to life in 2015, but rather than a VTEC engine that only wanted to really play over 5000 rpm, Honda are heading back to hot hatch goodness with a new turbo engine that promises ‘at least’ 276bhp. That should make the next Honda Civic Type R not only a lot quicker than the last Type R, but its power will be accessible much lower down the rev range and economy and emissions will be much improved.

Bosch, Aston Martin team up on DB9 hybrid

German engineering firm Bosch has teamed with Aston Martin on a plug-in hybrid version of the venerable DB9. It keeps the 6.0-liter V12, thankfully, and is boosted by electric motors, for a total of more than 740 hp, according to Auto Express. Two motors sit at the front wheels, providing power, making this technically the first all-wheel drive Aston.