U.S. proposes new labels for fuel economy, emissions levels

Consumers shopping for a new car would be able to compare fuel economy and emissions levels across all types of vehicles by looking at revised labels on window stickers under an Obama administration proposal made Monday. Government regulators are seeking public comment on changes to fuel-economy labels that would allow comparisons across electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles. The U.S.

GM recalls 1.5 million vehicles for oil leak

General Motors is recalling nearly 1.5 million Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Pontiac mid-sized cars equipped with a 3.8-liter engine because an oil leak could start an engine fire. Under hard braking, engine oil could leak past a heat shield and drip on the exhaust manifold. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that could start a small fire that could spread to a plastic spark plug wire guide and beyond.

Ferrari electric 4×4 confirmed

The next generation Ferrari 612 will be offered with an electric 4x4 option. Six months ago we reported that Ferrari were working on a four wheel drive system utilising electric motors to drive the front wheels. But Ferrari’s raison d’etre isn’t really about economy – although even they have to pass a nod to current eco concerns – rather about performance and handling.