Vw 1971 Type-2,1972-73 Type-1 At Beetle Bug Bus. Nos Bosch Vacuum Advance Unit. on 2040-parts.com

VW Beetle GSR: Price from £24,900

The Beetle GSR is a homage to the Yellow-Black Racer Beetle from the 1970s (GSR stands for Gelb Schwarzer Renner – which means Yellow-Black Racer) which featured a similar paint job, boosted power (a whole 49bhp) and was also limited to 3,500 units. But the 2013 version of the Beetle GSR does at least offer much more get up and go than the 1970s GSR managed. That means the GSR comes with VW’s 2.0 litre turbo with 207bhp which is enough to get the yellow Bug to 62mph in 7.3 seconds on its way top 142mph, and is the same power output all Beetles with the 2.0 litre TSI will get from May 1st (up from 197bhp).

GM to double size of battery lab

General Motors says it will spend $8 million to double the size of its Global Battery Systems Lab, which the company claims is the largest and most technologically advanced automotive battery lab in the United States. GM says the expansion will speed up the development of hybrid and electric vehicles, such as the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, by improving on-site testing of battery cells and systems. When finished, the lab will be 30,000 square feet bigger than it is now, for a 63,000-square-foot total.

BMW wins 2008 International Engine of the Year

By Ben Pulman Motor Industry 08 May 2008 10:21 BMW’s petrol twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six has won the 2008 International Engine of the Year award. It’s the engine’s second successive victory and BMW’s record-breaking fourth consecutive win. BMW has scooped the top award in six of the last ten years.