Sherman 446-150r Headlight Assembly Right Ford Taurus on 2040-parts.com

2013 SRT Viper packs devilish details

The 640-hp V10, the curvy fenders, heck, even the carbon treatments—there are enough spotlight features on the 2013 SRT Viper to outfit two or three sports cars of lesser pedigree. While the potent engine and the striking design are clearly the signature elements of SRT's macho machine, there are a few subtle design cues lurking inside for sharp-eyed enthusiasts. Let's call them Easter eggs, and they're intricate yet intriguing.

First Sight: Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The first generation A-Class was the first front wheel drive passenger car from Mercedes-Benz and its first compact hatchback. Its revolutionary packaging and infamous encounter with an elk made a big impact in 1997, and since then over a million have been sold. Specification The new A-Class maintains its predecessor's innovative sandwich floor concept, where the powertrain moves under the passenger cell in the event of a big frontal impact and thus enables a longer cabin for the length of footprint.

For new CAFE rules, automakers place high-stakes tech bets

Game-changing 2015 fuel economy rules are forcing vehicle development teams to make high-stakes bets on expensive technologies--bets that will separate the winners from the also-rans. Not only do federal rules target a 2015 fleet average of 35.5 mpg, up from the current 27.5 mpg for cars and 23.1 mpg for light trucks; they force automakers to bet on different technology packages for each vehicle segment. Companies that do best at mixing technologies while keeping down costs will have an advantage when buyers wince at higher stickers.