Mercedes V220 W638 Left Mirror Power Folding 6388103216 on 2040-parts.com

2013 Audi S8 engine tech laid bare in new videos

Here's one for the tech geeks: Earlier this month we drove the 2013 Audi S8 sedan, where we came to the conclusion that the 520-hp, 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 was just right for the executive-class cruiser. The S8 is a heavyweight, but it moves like a cruiserweight or better. The 0-to-60-mph sprint takes just 3.9 seconds, or about the same amount of time it takes to sneeze, wipe your nose and get blessed.

CCS/GM E-Flex project

Cadillac V-Flex Evan Mai Evan Mai presented the Cadillac V-Flex, a mid-engine electric race car that uses GM's E-Flex platform in a new configuration and advances Cadillac's art & science design language.  The race inspired proportion and layout of the V-Flex draws heavily from Le Mans prototype and F1 cars. Power would come from an electric motor with a range extending internal combustion engine. The Li-ion battery placed in the bottom center of the vehicle could be swapped from underneath the car during pit stops. Aluminum heat sinks in the rear efficiently dissipate heat away from the motor and battery while performing as a rear spoiler.  The front grille serves to communicate the Cadillac design philosophy and also serves as a functional aerodynamic enhancement.

Fisker reveals hardtop convertible Karma S concept

Alongside the production version of the Karma sedan at the Detroit Auto Show, Fisker debuted the second model to join the Karma range. The Karma S (for Sunset) concept is spawned from the same aluminum spaceframe that underpins the sedan, but loses a set of doors. A retractable hardtop covers the four-passenger interior.