New Master Brake Cyl Dorman M630288 on 2040-parts.com

Toyota Hybrid-R Concept – a Yaris with 400bhp – teased for Frankfurt

The Toyota Hybrid-R Concept (pictured) is a 400bhp Yaris Hybrid heading for Frankfurt We’ve always believed that the best use for hybrid powertrains is to get extra performance without the penalty of increased fuel consumption. Toyota, on the other hand, have primarily used their impressive – if complicated and expensive – hybrid powertrains to yield improved economy and emissions from more prosaic cars like the Prius, Yaris and Auris. But now it looks like Toyota are ready to show us what hybrid technology can offer in the way of performance too, with a tease for what Toyota are calling the Hybrid-R Concept, which appears to be a Yaris with more than 400bhp on tap.

Why carmakers say no to battery swapping

There's a strange disconnect surrounding Better Place, the company best known for its plan to extend the range of electric vehicles by relying on speedy battery swaps. Automotive executives are nearly unanimous in dismissing the idea. With the conspicuous exception of Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn, rarely does an executive express interest.

Maserati GranCabrio Fendi; half Maserati, half handbag

Maserati GranCabrio Fendi - a handbag on wheels Car maker like to hang a label on a special edition, and Italian car makers quite like the label to be ‘Designer’. Which at least explains the Maserati GranCabrio Fendi, just as it did the Fiat 500 Gucci. Whether it forgives it… So brace yourself for the world of pretension and ‘style’.