Walker 81901 Calcat Universal Catalytic Converter on 2040-parts.com

Volvo to launch new F1-inspired engine range

Volvo has revealed an all-new super-efficient range of engines called DRIVE-E. When launched later this year, the new motors will become some of the most high-tech engines on sale. Uniquely, the new engine range is based around just two basic four-cylinder designs – one direct-injection petrol engine and one common rail turbodiesel.

2013 Peugeot RCZ Facelift & RCZ R Concept

Peugeot has revealed a facleift for the 2013 RCZ and a new, 260bhp concept as a new range topper – the Peugeot RCZ R. When we first reviewed the Peugeot RCZ we liked it a lot, but we thought it was a shame that the RCZ had Peugeot’s old nose and we thought it could do with a bit more get up and go. Both have been addressed with the 2013 facelift for Peugeot’s sporty RCZ.

Crunch watch Mar 09: the auto industry in crisis

By Ben Pulman and Tim Pollard Motor Industry 31 March 2009 13:48 Tuesday 31 March 2009• Porsche said that its earnings before tax rose to €7.3 billion in the six months to the end of January – including a €6.8bn windfall from its VW share options (Financial Times)• Fritz Henderson, GM's president and chief operating officer, will step up to replace Rick Wagoner, who was ousted on Sunday as CEO of General Motors (Financial Times)• President Obama is essentially CEO-in-chief of GM – despite not owning a single cent of stock, says Detroit News commentator (Detroit News)• German chancellor Angela Merkel gives assurances that any would-be investors in GM's European arm will be given state support. Opel is asking for €3.3 billion in aid – and up to 25,000 jobs in Germany depend on it, with up to 300,000 jobs across Europe including Saab and Vauxhall (BBC News)Monday 30 March 2009• General Motors' chief executive Rick Wagoner has been ordered to resign by US president Barack Obama with immediate effect. It's part of Obama's administration's critique of GM and Chrysler's turnaround plans – he's understood to be unhappy with the plans submitted (BBC News)• New GM non-executive chairman Kent Kresa has admitted that at the company's next general meeting it will have 'a majority of new directors' (General Motors)• Chrysler will receive US government aid for the next 30 days, but the Obama administration has said that if the company cannot secure a tie-up with the Fiat Group within that time period it will not receive any more money from the taxpayers and could go into liquidation.