Two Douglas Kart Racing Wheels With Ylc Tires Drift Trike L, Wagon, Barstool on 2040-parts.com

Could these Ford Mondeos signal a wagon rebirth?

These two Ford Mondeo wagons were spotted around the Detroit area this past week. While the vehicle without camouflage is all standard Mondeo in its exterior appearance, the possibility exists that the camo on the second car could hide a Fusion front end. The most likely explanation is that these are mules of some kind, but we're holding out hope that Ford is testing the wagon waters in the United States once again.

Smart Forvision concept

Smart will unveil its new Forvision concept car at the 2011 Frankfurt motor as the manufacturer continues its preview its future design direction. In the last 12 months the company has revealed its Forspeed and eScooter concepts, with the latest addition designed to keep to the original ForTwo's green specifications. The Forvision uses the latest Smart electric drive system, which Daimler claims will add approximately 20 percent to the range of the current electric Smart, with an EV range of around 110 miles. The vehicle's paintwork and glass can reflect heat – on a hot day it can apparently cool the interior by around 20° C. The concept also has a glass roof, with Daimler is in the process of developing transparent solar charging technology.

General Motors fires back at Volkswagen

General Motors issued a terse response this week to published comments by Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn, who suggested to the German press that Opel could be sold to a Chinese competitor. Detroit-based GM called Winterkorn's comments “regrettable” and accused him of “fanning speculation.” Opel was nearly sold to Magna and Russian investors in the wake of GM's 2009 bankruptcy. But then-CEO Ed Whitacre and the corporate board reversed that decision, igniting controversy from German political and labor leaders who have long chafed under American oversight.