Triumph 500 Intake Manifold on 2040-parts.com

Frankfurt auto show: Mercedes-Benz previews the electric B-class

Mercedes-Benz revealed an electric-powered B-class with range-extending capabilities at the Frankfurt motor show. This rounds out the company's line of standard gasoline- and diesel-engine versions in the second generation of the multipurpose fiver-seater. Set to go on sale in selected markets in 2013, the B-class E-cell Plus is propelled by a 136-hp electric motor that draws electricity from a lithium-ion battery mounted low within the car's MFA platform structure.

McLaren 12C Spider: The video

Last week we had the reveal of the convertible version of the MP4-12C – the McLaren 12C Spider – and now we get the first video of McLaren’s convertible supercar. We did think McLaren would have released a video of the new 12C Spider when it was revealed last week, but they’ve obviously got the hang of their new video software now so we finally get to see the 12C Spider in action. McLaren has used cinema-quality RED camera technology to capture the 12C Spider in terrific detail as it first performs on track and then traverses the stunning roads in the mountains of Andalucia.

GM unveils electric Cadillac Converj concept at the Detroit auto show

General Motors pulled perhaps a surprise at the Detroit Auto Show Sunday morning, unveiling an eye-catching two-door Cadillac concept powered by a "future evolution" of the Chevrolet Volt's electric powertrain. Called the Converj, the Cadillac will have a range of 40 miles on electricity, with a potential total range of 700 miles after a generator kicks in. GM says the powertrain, formerly known as E-Flex, is now called Voltec, and could be used in a variety of applications.