Suzuki Wagon R 2001 Throttle Body [0220300] on 2040-parts.com

Fisker, Energy Department face tough Congressional hearing on federal loans

Struggling Fisker Automotive took a bludgeoning Wednesday on Capitol Hill from top congressional Republicans who compared Fisker to failed automotive startups of the past and lambasted the Department of Energy for allowing the electric-car producer to draw down nearly $200 million in taxpayer-funded loans. House Oversight Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., told Fisker founder Henrik Fisker that he will be remembered fondly for his design work for BMW and Aston Martin. But he compared Fisker to Malcolm Bricklin, John DeLorean and Preston Tucker -- three entrepreneurs known for their failed startup car companies.

Luxury Ford Mondeo Vignale concept revealed

Would you buy a posh Mondeo? Ford is betting that some people will, as next year sees the Blue Oval introduce a new Vignale trim level and equipment package that offers not just more style and luxury for your money but also an exclusive, premium customer and ownership experience. As a precursor to this move, Ford has today unveiled a pair of Mondeo Vignale Concept cars, one based on the next-generation Mondeo saloon, the other on the estate.

Lexus RC F Coupe: OFFICIAL

The Lexus RC F (pictured) revealed ahead of its Detroit debut The Lexus RC F Coupe has been revealed ahead of its debut at Detroit next week, and it looks very promising. Lexus aren’t being specific about its output, but they do say the RC F is “the most powerful V8 performance road-going car ever developed by Lexus” with over 450bhp. That makes the RC F more powerful than the BMW M4 or the Audi RS5 which should mean the Lexus will be able to hold its own with the hot coupés from Germany, with a 0-62mph in the low 4 seconds.