Speakers Batwing Fairing For Harley Sportster, Fiberglass on 2040-parts.com

Renault and Caterham to develop affordable sports cars

Renault and Caterham are to join forces to create new, more affordable sports cars under the Alpine badge. The two groups will establish a jointly owned new group – Société des Automobiles Alpine Caterham – under the leadership of Bernard Ollivier and will develop models to be sold as both Renault Alpine and Caterham. Tony Fernandes, Caterham Group Chairman, said: "We know the markets we are going into and, particularly in my playground in Asia, there is a huge opportunity to replicate the AirAsia model and give consumers access to exciting, affordable products that marry our interests in F1 and technology and help make their dreams come true." At this year's Monaco Grand Prix Renault unveiled the Alpine A110-50 concept, which was seen as a relaunch of the brand despite it being essentially a reworked version of the Renault-branded DeZir concept from the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

Mazda may revive the rotary as a hybrid car powerplant

Mazda Motor Corp. has given a new lease on life to its rotary engine in the form of a Mazda 2 hatchback reconfigured as an extended-range hybrid. The prototype runs as an electric vehicle, with an electric motor powering the wheels.

Detroit auto show 2011: the CAR Live Blog from NAIAS

CAR's review of the 2011 Detroit auto show - By Ben Oliver 3.30pm: Ian Robertson drives onto the stage in a Team USA-liveried Mini CountrymanCountryman sales are 30% above projected orders with 12,000 sold since launch, and the maxi Mini is now on sale in the US too. Marketing chief Robertson says 2010 was the best sales year ever with 234,000 Minis sold worldwide and sales were 8.1% up in the biggest market, the US. Launched 10 years ago at Detroit, Mini now has over 300,000 American owners, or 'fans' as Robertson's Facebook-savvy scriptwriter says.3.11pm: Big waves at HyundaiBP Hyundai's American boss John Krafcik introduces the new Curb concept, a cool Juke-sized crossover, and then the lovely little Hyundai Veloster (below).