Sierra International, 18-3605, Thermostat Kit on 2040-parts.com

Refreshed Looks Signal Arrival Of Updated Yaris

HOT on the heels of its newly launched Aygo city car, Toyota has released the first details of its refreshed Yaris supermini. Scheduled to hit the showrooms this summer, the restyled car boasts an improved interior and better vehicle dynamics that its maker believes will position the car as one of the strongest contenders in the fiercely competitive supermini market. The Yaris follows the example of new Aygo, adopting a dramatic look that integrates a distinctive cross shape, centred on the front emblem, which separates the new-look upper and lower grilles.

Aftermarket Car Plug-In Hybrid system developed (video)

The Department of Engineering Technology at the Middle Tennessee State University has developed a plug-in hybrid retro-fit system for cars. As hybrid cars show the world that we can get more miles to the gallon from fuel by adding in an electric motor to the mix (depending on just how that electricity is generated, of course), it was inevitable that aftermarket solutions would eventually surface. Now, the Department of Engineering Technology at the Middle Tennessee State University has popped up with what they claim is an after market plug-in hybrid system that can be added to just about any car and would cost – assuming it gets to market – around £2,000.

One Lap of the Web: a lap of the 'Ring, a lap of the YouTubes and a lap of the eBays

-- The Porsche 918 achieved a spectacular and borderline-unbelievable time just a few days ago, but here are some less heroic cars lapping the 'Ring, like Peugeot 205s, modern BMWs and a few bikes mixed in for good measure. Check out the classic Heckflosse (fintail) Mercedes-Benz at 2:05. -- Filmmaker Casey Neistat filmed, umm, a pretty good commercial for the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, but it's the making-of video that's even more fun to watch.