Mercedes W140 Flap Drive 1408300833 on 2040-parts.com

Hummer H3T (2008): first official pictures

By George Chapman First Official Pictures 07 February 2008 14:31 The new Hummer H3T will boast a five foot long flatbed rear. Shown at the recent Chicago Auto Show, this revised version is heavily based on the existing H3 and will be sold in North America, Europe and the Middle East. Unmistakably Hummer, the flagship H3T Alpha is powered by the same GM-sourced 300bhp 5.3-litre V8 that has proved so popular, albeit with an aluminium block to improve weight distribution.

NHTSA funds development of alcohol-measuring start button

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded Takata-TruTouch some $2.25 million to continue to develop its In-Vehicle Alcohol Detection test, the company said. Takata, a safety and technology company, and TruTouch have created a vehicle start button with an integrated infrared sensor that can measure your blood-alcohol content. If the reading exceeds legal limits, the system can disable the starter.

Fiat Americanizes its 500, complete with cupholders

The Fiat 500 subcompact might be Italian through and through, but the U.S. version that arrives in dealerships late this year will cater to American tastes. The American car will have a more powerful engine than the European version, a slightly softer ride and--most important--more substantial, American-style cupholders.