Yamaha Rhino 700 734cc 105.5mm Big Bore Cylinder 12.5:1 Je Piston Gasket Kit on 2040-parts.com

BMW works hard to avoid gas-guzzler tax

BMW AG hopes to get out from under the gas-guzzler taxes that are tacked on to the sticker prices of some of its high-performance models in the United States. Jim O'Donnell, president of BMW of North America, says the company is studying fuel-efficiency improvements that could eliminate the gas-guzzler taxes on its vehicles as early as the launch of their redesigns in the next few years. The 2010 550i GT incurs a $1,000 gas-guzzler fee, for example.

All-electric Nissan trialled in London

THE CITY OF LONDON Corporation has completed a successful trial of the 100% electric Nissan e-NV200 van as part of efforts to meet the highest levels of environmental responsibility across all areas of its operations. After a similarly successful trial of the 100% electric Nissan LEAF earlier this year, Nissan offered the City of London Corporation the chance to try the e-NV200. The City Corporation – the local authority services provider for the ‘Square Mile’ – supports and promotes the City as the world’s leading international financial centre.

Relive Volvo's 'Emotion of Design' Google Hangout

If you missed out on Volvo's ‘Emotion of Design' Google Hangout, which was broadcast on Volvo's YouTube channel on 28 November, you can relive it here. The Hangout, which featured Volvo's exterior design chief Maximilian Missoni, neuropsychologist Dr David Lewis and Wallpaper magazine's automotive correspondent Jonathan Bell, discussed the results of the Swedish carmaker's experiment to measure the emotional response to the Volvo Concept Coupé – among other things – using an electroencephalographic (EEG) machine. Participants were asked to rate a series of images while wearing an EEG headset measuring brainwave activity, with results showing that car design and emotions were inexorably linked.