Opel Astra 2005 Right Fog Lamp [0010850] on 2040-parts.com

New fuel-economy labels will baffle buyers, survey says

A survey released this week suggests that revised fuel economy labels proposed by federal regulators will confuse many likely car buyers -- and will emphasize the wrong information. The branding strategy firm Siegel+Gale performed an independent online survey of 456 people over the age of 18 who intended to buy a car in the next three years. Founder Alan Siegel told Automotive News that the survey was not directly requested but has been sent to the EPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration during the ongoing public comment period.

Local Motors XC2V design competition winners announced

The winners of the Local Motors XC2V design competition have been announced. Created in partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the brief called for individuals to co-create a vehicle body design for two different missions – Combat Reconnaissance and Combat Delivery & Evacuation – based on Local Motors' tubular steel chassis. The goal was to create a fast, lightweight, highly capable vehicle that would be suitable for various field missions.

Hamann reveals BMW X6 M-based Tycoon II M

If the current BMW X6 M is too subtle for you, then German tuner Hamann has just what you're looking for with its new Tycoon II M. Starting on the outside, the tuners gave it an aggressive widebody kit with integrated LED daytime running lights. The car is also lowered by 1.5 inches.