Monroe 801900 Front Monroe Matic Plus Strut on 2040-parts.com

2014 Kia Forte trims, slims, adds FlexSteer

The all-new 2014 Kia Forte debuted at the LA Auto Show in November, and it will hit dealerships in the first quarter of this year. Powertrains and trims are consolidated, the interior is updated and the small sedan will now feature something called FlexSteer, which adjusts the weight of the wheel from comfort to normal to sport. Equipment on the second-generation sedan will rival that of almost any of the luxury brands, even in base trim.

Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R concept (2013) at Frankfurt motor show

Toyota has released fresh information regarding its 414bhp supermini concept ahead of its debut at next month’s Frankfurt motor show. The Yaris Hybrid R drivetrain features Toyota Motorsport’s 1.6-litre racing petrol engine to power the front wheels and twin electric motors generating 60bhp apiece to run those at the back, giving the car all-wheel drive and a combined output of up to 414bhp. The car also makes use of a supercapacitor inspired by Toyota’s TS030 Hybrid Le Mans racer – energy generated under heavy braking is stored and can be quickly deployed to the rear wheels for an extra burst of power.

Linda Vaughn recovering from heart surgery

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to change the mailing address to South Laguna, CA. Linda Vaughn, best known as the iconic Miss Hurst Golden Shifter, underwent heart surgery on April 28 to clear out blockage in her arteries. Prior to the operation, Vaughn said, "I am tired of feeling 'low speed.' " After surgery, her spirits are equally as high and she is recovering as expected.