Saab Pulley Assembly 32008092 on 2040-parts.com

New Mercedes SLK caught testing

The next generation (2012) Mercedes SLK caught testing at the Nurburgring The next generation SLK looks to be more aggressive in stance, with a nose that takes on the family theme from the new Mercedes E-Class. It seems likely that the new SLK will come with a new set of engines, with more than a passing nod to eco-concerns. In will come a 1.6 litre, four-pot supercharged engine that will pick up the mantle from the old 1.8 litre Kompressor engine – same power – or more – with lower emissions and better economy.

CAFE standard set at 54.5 mpg by 2025

The final version of the new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standard was released today and, as expected, automakers will need to attain a fleet average of 54.5 mpg by 2025. The rules include electric and hybrid vehicles and—as of today—natural gas vehicles. The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed the rules in November, after reaching an agreement with automakers last July.

Prodive’s David Richards looks at Honda F1

It was a real surprise that Honda decided to pull out of F1 for 2009. True, they haven’t yet seen the sort of success that their efforts, and money, should have yielded, but they have a superb product and, more importantly, potentially one of the best set-ups in F1 led by the best of the best, Ross Braun, who was pretty much responsible for the renaissance at Ferrari and Michael Shumacher’s domination of the sport. But there could well be a light at the end of the tunnel for the Honda F1 Team.