Toyota Prius 2008 1.5 T Spirit Hybrid Accelerator Throttle Pedal 78120-47040 on 2040-parts.com

GM to slash global vehicle platforms by more than half, to 14, by 2018

General Motors says it will cut the number of vehicle platforms it uses globally by more than half over the next decade, in a bid to reduce complexity and save on product-development costs. “More of our components will be common, and more of our vehicles will be on global architectures,” GM CEO Dan Akerson told analysts on Tuesday. His remarks came as GM kicked off a series of presentations online, billed as its 2011 Global Business Conference.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class aerodynamics tested [w/video]

Mercedes-Benz has produced a video testing the aerodynamics of its new B-Class – which it claims is the most aerodynamically efficient car in the world – using a wind tunnel and fluorescent paint. The W245-generation B-Class has the lowest aerodynamic drag in its segment with a Cd of just 0.26, thanks to features such as serrated front wheel arch spoilers, optimized cooling airflow and a Pagoda roof to help airflow over its profile. The car's aero properties were put to the test at the MIRA vehicle test facility in the UK using fluorescent paint in 60mph winds to highlight its flow dynamics, only visible under UV lights.

Renault Twizy RS F1 concept (2013) first official pictures

Renault has given the Twizy electric car a mad twist by bolting on an F1-style KERS system for Megane Renaultsport 265-worrying performance available for the very brave. The Twizy Renault Sport F1 Concept sits on single seater racing wheels, has an F1-apeing front splitter, side-pods, rear wing and even a rear diffuser to make the link to the racing side of Renault’s activities. F1-style KERS in a Twizy?