Rotax 912 Uls Engine on 2040-parts.com

Smart Forvision concept

Smart will unveil its new Forvision concept car at the 2011 Frankfurt motor as the manufacturer continues its preview its future design direction. In the last 12 months the company has revealed its Forspeed and eScooter concepts, with the latest addition designed to keep to the original ForTwo's green specifications. The Forvision uses the latest Smart electric drive system, which Daimler claims will add approximately 20 percent to the range of the current electric Smart, with an EV range of around 110 miles. The vehicle's paintwork and glass can reflect heat – on a hot day it can apparently cool the interior by around 20° C. The concept also has a glass roof, with Daimler is in the process of developing transparent solar charging technology.

Italian firm buys stake in Aston Martin

The former owner of Italian motorcycle maker Ducati has bought a 37.5-percent stake in financially strapped British car maker Aston Martin. The move means future Astons could use modern drivelines and electric architectures from Mercedes-Benz's AMG division, insiders with knowledge of the deal suggest. Private equity fund Investindustrial has signed a memorandum of understanding with current Aston Martin owner Investment Dar of Kuwait that will see it pay $240 million (150 million pounds) for the ownership stake.

Mustang cocreator Donald Frey dies

Donald Frey, a senior product planning manager at Ford Motor Co. in the 1960s who along with Hal Sperlich and Lee Iacocca developed the iconic Ford Mustang, died on March 5 in Evanston, Ill., from a stroke. He was 87 years old.