Raymarine Wireless Multi Digital Display T110-916 on 2040-parts.com

Ownership costs of traditional versus alternative fuel vehicles

As gas prices remain high, and an increasing number of automakers roll out plug-in hybrid cars and full-electric vehicles, it's becoming easier to be tantalized with the idea of driving right past the gas station and simply "plugging in." The debate ensues when it comes to cost: These alternative fuel vehicles mean a larger outlay of cash at the onset, but the long-term fuel savings could make the purchase worthwhile. To help straighten out this numbers game, we use the Department of Energy's Vehicle Cost Calculator to compare alternative fuel vehicles with their gasoline-only counterparts. For each scenario, we assumed that our hypothetical owner was able to get the full $7,500 federal tax credit and a $2,500 state tax credit, such as is available in California.

Lotus won’t be at 2012 Paris Motor Show

Two years after Dany Bahar revealed Lotus plans to build a new range of Lotus supercars at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, Lotus will be a no-show at Paris 2012. Two years ago we were stunned by the grandiose plans for a range of Lotus supercars revealed by new CEO Dany Bahar at the Paris Motor Show. What a difference 24 months makes.

Porsche Panamera Turbo Powerkit adds 40hp

Porsche Panamera with the new Sport Design Pack The Porsche Panamera has the same problem all Porsches have – it’s easy to admire but quite hard to love. And it goes further for the Panamera because it has to suffer the same sniping about its looks as its SUV sibling, the Porsche Cayenne. But Porsche aren’t losing sleep over the constant jibes about the ugly ducklings in their range.