Valve Covers. Chevy S/b: 265-400, Short on 2040-parts.com

GM preps for new engines, 8-speed transmission

General Motors is spending $332 million to upgrade powertrain plants in three states to build a new eight-speed automatic transmission, a new V6 and a new family of small-displacement gasoline engines. The plants are in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. GM is also adding $46 million to an earlier $600 million program to upgrade powertrain plants in Saginaw and Romulus, Mich.

Survey highlights increased consumer appetite for in-car technology

Spanish telecommunications firm Telefonica has issued its second annual report on connected car technologies. Its study looked at public expectations of in-car tech in the cars of today and tomorrow. Participants were queried about such technologies as social media, telematics, on-board diagnostics and early warning systems, revealing that connected car tech was already influencing purchasing decisions.

Dacia 'to stay true to its budget roots'

The global marketing boss in charge of Dacia’s roll-out has promised that Renault’s budget brand won’t move upmarket. Many bargain car marques end up inching – or scrambling – upmarket, with slicker products, big price hikes and a desertion of their value promise. But Dacia promises it won't follow the likes of Skoda, Hyundai and Kia by starting cheap 'n' cheerful and then raising prices.