Yamaha 6h1-4385h-00-00 Spring, Seal on 2040-parts.com

One Lap of the Web: the Bill Thomas Cheetah, Martini Racing and the 1976 Ferrari 208 GT4

We spend a lot of time on the Internet -- pretty much whenever we're not driving, writing about or working on cars. Since there's more out there than we'd ever be able to cover, here's our daily digest of car stuff on the Web you may not otherwise have heard about. --You've probably seen the Martini Racing livery on everything from Formula One cars to rally cars.

VW to intro Passat BlueMotion Concept at Detroit auto show

While performance heads are anxiously awaiting the North American debut of the hot-heat Mk VII Golf R at the Detroit auto show, Volkswagen's Passat BlueMotion Concept offers never-before technology in the Yank/Canuck family sedan segment: a four-pot motor with cylinder deactivation. Based on the EA211 1.4L turbo motor we sampled last year in the Euro-market Audi A3 sedan, the Passat BlueMotion Concept's engine is capable of shutting down the middle two cylinders during cruise, and features the Jetta Hybrid's gearbox, a twin-clutch unit capable of decoupling from the engine during off-throttle coasting. In the Passat's application, the 1.4 puts out 150 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque; VW suggests its highway fuel economy will stand at 42 mpg.

Toyota Urban Cruiser hits the UK

The Toyota Urban Cruiser hits UK Car Showrooms today [ad#ad-1] Toyota’s baby 4×4 – The Toyota Urban Cruiser – hits UK showrooms today after being unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last year. Looking like a Toyota Land Cruiser that’s been through a boil wash, the Urban Cruiser is designed to take sales from buyers of super minis looking for something a bit different. It’s also looking to take sales from drivers of conventional sized 4x4s who love the high driving position, but are looking for something a little more economical in the current climate.