Magnaflow Catalytic Converter 23409 Chevrolet Corvette on 2040-parts.com

Volvo makes breakthrough in battery tech

Volvo has developed a new way of ‘storing’ energy for its future electric vehicles. The Swedish firm is exploring the concept of lightweight structural energy storage components made from carbonfibre, containing “nano structured batteries and super capacitors.” This technology is said to offer a lighter, more compact solution to the problem of energy storage, potentially removing the need for the heavy, bulky batteries used in current electric vehicles. On Bing: see pictures of the Volvo S80 Find out how much a used Volvo S80 costs on Auto Trader The investigation into the new technology is part of an EU-funded research project, undertaken by Volvo – the only major car manufacturer involved – and nine other organisations.

Ford improves top design on its 2015 Mustang convertible

Ford revealed details on its forthcoming 2015 Mustang convertible, whose top features several highly welcome improvements over the outgoing model’s, making it quieter, more compact and easier to operate. Though Ford continues to call the cloth top a two-layer design, it now sports a 10-mm thick cushion between the twill covering and the headliner layer, serving as both insulation and sound deadening. Ford says with the top up, the cabin is almost as quiet as the coupe’s on the road.

Fiat 500L MPW (Living) is a stretched, seven-seat Fiat 500

The Fiat 500L MPW (Living outside UK) is a seven-seat 500 You may think MINI has stretched the ‘brand’ way beyond common sense, but Fiat are running a close second with endless variations on the 500 theme. This is the latest – the Fiat 500L MPW. The 500L MPW (it stands for ‘Multi Purpose Wagon but will be called the 500L Living outside the UK) is the already odd Fiat 500L stretched by 201mm to add in a couple of extra kiddie seats in the back.