Suzuki Vl1500 1500 Intruder Rear Wheel Axle #10 2002 on 2040-parts.com

Dodge Challenger, Charger get new V6 muscle

Dodge is getting competitive in the horsepower wars. After years of languishing with a 250-hp V6 in the Charger and Challenger muscle cars, both are getting a substantial power boost. Chrysler announced some of the ratings for the Pentastar V6--the new 3.6-liter engine that will be the base powerplant across much of its lineup--and for enthusiasts, it's good news.

Plans for Smart’s three-seat sports car uncovered in patent drawings

Mercedes-Benz is developing a three-seat sports car for Smart. Depicted here in a series of European patent-application sketches obtained by AutoWeek, the radical new sports car forms part of an extended range of new Smart models planned for introduction by the middle of the next decade, including a more conventional four-seater to be produced in cooperation with Renault. Mercedes-Benz is reacting to increased competition from Toyota in the form of the iQ and the impending arrival of similar urban-based offerings from premium-brand rivals Audi and BMW.

MINI E takes on the Nurburgring +video

The electric MINI-E takes on the Nurburgring I know, you’re rather more used to us bringing you video of something like the Nissan GT-R tackling the Nurburgring and aiming to clock a world record time. But for some reason best known to themselves, BMW have decided to put the MINI E round the Nurburgring and produce a video for our delectation. So what stunning feat was achieved by this stock MINI E?