Minn Kota Battery Box on 2040-parts.com

2012 Volkswagen Passat priced at $20,765

The all-new 2012 Volkswagen Passat, looking to be a big player in the highly competitive midsize segment and the first car to be built at a new Chattanooga, Tenn., assembly plant, will come to market this fall with a base sticker price of $19,995, plus $770 destination charge. The 2012 Passat will be sold with three powertrains and a variety of equipment levels. “The 2012 Passat is a true Volkswagen, offering German engineering, class-leading standard features and superior fuel economy, all for a remarkable value,” said Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.

Ford software maximizes hybrid efficiency

Ford will use a little navigation wizardry on two of its hybrids: the C-Max Energi plug-in and Fusion. The system will use GPS data and an algorithm to predict when a driver is close frequented destinations. The car will adjust powertrain controls to maximize efficiency.Ford calls the feature EV+, which is part of SmartGauge, standard on the Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi plug-ins and on hybrid models.

Top Gear: Rapide, Panamera & Quattroporte four-seat supercars tonight

Rubens Barrichello and Rupert Grint on Top Gear tonight Another week flies by and we’re almost half way through the latest series (Series 15) of Top Gear. Episode 3 tonight at the normal 8pm on BBC2. Although there’s a fair chance the footballists amongst you will be sticking TG on Sky+ and watching the World Cup.