Valve Cover - Chevrolet 216ci Engine (1940s To 1953) Nr! on 2040-parts.com

Audi plans expansion of hybrids, electrics

Audi plans a rapid expansion of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles over the next few years as a key component in Volkswagen Group's strategy to dominate the alternative-powertrain market by decade's end. Michael Dick, Audi's board member for technical development, told Automotive News that the next-generation A6 sedan will have the potential to be a full hybrid by the end of 2012. The A6 would join the recently introduced hybrid A8 sedan at the Geneva auto show and the soon-to-be-launched Q5 hybrid crossover.

Renault Twizy gets the Formula One treatment

Renault has applied the state-of-the-art kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) used in its Formula One drivelines to the pint-sized Twizy electric car. The result? A new zero-emission concept whose claimed 0-62-mph acceleration time matches that of the French carmaker's fastest production car, the RenaultSport Megane 265, at 6.0 seconds.

BASF MySetta concept showcases industry-leading automotive applications

Project type advanced materials demonstrator Donor vehicle 1958 BMW Isetta 250 Project idea/co-ordinator Heidrun Goth Project co-ordinator Guido Gabriel BASF coatings/color designer Mark Gutjahr Project launched April 2013 Website www.basf.steron.com In January 2013, German chemicals giant BASF came up with the idea of building a bespoke vehicle to help demonstrate its industry-leading automotive applications – the MySetta. Starting with the iconic 1958 BMW Isetta 250 ‘bubble car', a team led by project co-ordinator Guido Gabriel modified the chassis, body and interior using BASF paints, fabrics and flexible foams. As well as showcasing BASF's automotive applications, the MySetta project demonstrates how they can be used to create striking fashion products such as shoes, coats and handbags; and accessories like a picnic hamper and portable stereo.