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For new CAFE rules, automakers place high-stakes tech bets

Game-changing 2015 fuel economy rules are forcing vehicle development teams to make high-stakes bets on expensive technologies--bets that will separate the winners from the also-rans. Not only do federal rules target a 2015 fleet average of 35.5 mpg, up from the current 27.5 mpg for cars and 23.1 mpg for light trucks; they force automakers to bet on different technology packages for each vehicle segment. Companies that do best at mixing technologies while keeping down costs will have an advantage when buyers wince at higher stickers.

Ford Fiesta ST (2011) Spied

Ford Fiesta ST Spy Shot There’s really only one thing missing from Ford’s current Fiesta lineup – a decent performance version. Yes, we’ve had the limited edition Fiesta S1600 which looked like it was a proper performance Fiesta but turned out to be all show and no extra go. But now it looks like we have good news.

Ferrari 458 Italia – The Video

The Interior of the new Ferrari 458 Italia But yesterday afternoon, shortly after we posted the news of the Ferrari 458 Italia – which originally had just four exterior pictures – we got sent a video of the interior. To be truthful it is almost certainly a rendering with no real car at all, but it is from Ferrari and is close as we’re going to get to the interior –  or anything that moves – this side of the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. At least the video clip has a sound track, and whether or not it’s a real soundtrack from the track and the car – or something Ferrari has generated on their laptops – we don’t really care.