New Denso Iridium Power Spark Plug, Ik16 on 2040-parts.com

California rules give push to 'green' vehicles in the near future

California regulators on Friday approved a plan that would require 15.4 percent of new vehicles sold in the state be electric, fuel-cell or plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2025. The rule--supported by major automakers--is part of a broader package of regulations called the Advanced Clean Car program designed to cut vehicle greenhouse gas and smog-forming emissions. The sweeping new auto emission standards could mean 1.4 million electric, fuel cell and plug-in hybrid vehicles on California roads by 2025.

Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept heading for Detroit

Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept (pictured) heading for Detroit The original VW Beetle was a perfect candidate for a Dune Buggy, and many old VWs were converted to blast across sand dunes around the world. VW had a bash at their own Dune Buggy back in 2000, but now, ahead of a reveal at the Detroit Auto Show next week, we have what looks like a buggy from VW that could actually be heading for production – the Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept. VW has revealed a single image of their Beetle Dune Concept (above) that shows a jacked-up Beetle with big wheels and tyres, a ski rack on the back and a bit of cosmetic titivation.

Seat Ibiza Cupra and Ecomotive (2008): first photos

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 29 August 2008 15:45 Seat has unveiled the hot hatch and green eco warrior of the Ibiza range. The sinner is the Ibiza Cupra, the saint the Ibiza Ecomotive – and they arrive less than six months since the range was launched.Seat Ibiza Cupra: the lowdownThe Ibiza Cupra has a 176bhp 1.4 TSI twin-compressor engine; it's the same turbo- and supercharged engine as in our long-term test VW Golf, mated to the VW Group's seven-speed DSG twin-clutch 'box operated through steering wheel paddles. No performance claims yet, but that power output should put it on a par with the Mini Cooper S.