Mercury Flathead Engine on 2040-parts.com

Detroit Motor Show 2014 preview: all the important new cars

The Detroit Motor Show - or North American International Auto Show, to give it its full title - is one of the most important motor shows on the planet. Of all the American shows, Detroit is arguably the best, not least because it takes place right at the start of the year, kick starting the motor show calendar. This year's event takes place at the COBO Center, Detroit, Michigan,13-26 January 2014.

Vauxhall Insignia CDTi 4×4 – the first diesel 4×4 in the Insignia range

The Vauxhall Insignia CDTi 4x4 gets launched in September The Insignia range is proving to be a big success for Vauxhall (and Opel, for that matter) with a strong range of models from the rep-special 1.8 petrol on up to the range-topping Insignia VXR Sports Tourer. And most models can be grabbed with a wide variety of trim and engine options to suit the buyer. Unless you want a diesel 4×4.

Toyota cuts 2014 Prius Plug-in hybrid prices

For the 2014 model year the Toyota Prius Plug-in hybrid will get a price cut, with the base Prius Plug-in model starting at $29,990, not including destination. The $2,010 drop in price comes without any changes to the vehicle, and Toyota was keen to point out that "This price repositioning on the base Prius Plug-in Hybrid is not accompanied by any reduction in vehicle content.” This drop in price can be viewed as part of Toyota's effort to keep sales volume of its popular plug-in hybrid model on target -- about the only place where the 2014 model Prius will look different will be the Japanese domestic market, where the Prius will get two-tone paint options, new wheels, and LED lighting. Likewise, the Prius Plug-in Advanced will also get a price cut for the 2014 model year, and will start at $34,905, not including destination.