01 - 05 Yamaha Raptor Yfm 660 Right Heel Guard B on 2040-parts.com

Toyota tests chips that improve hybrid efficiency by 10 percent

Toyota announced on Tuesday that it has developed a new semiconductor, claiming it can boost fuel efficiency in hybrid cars by an impressive 10 percent. The semiconductors manage the flow of electricity through the power-control unit that connects the battery to an electric or hybrid car's motor and generator. The newly developed semiconductors are said to consume only a tenth of the energy of today's chips, while allowing the power-control unit to be 80 percent smaller.

Citroen C4 Cactus revealed in production guise ahead of Geneva Motor Show Debut

The Citroen C4 Cactus (pictured) revealed in production spec The Citroen C4 Cactus could probably not have been conceived by anyone other than the French, and the concept we saw at Frankfurt last year was certainly original. Now, Citroen are putting the C4 Cactus in to production and, surprisingly, not a huge amount has changed from the concept. That means the C4 Cactus – with a wheelbase the same as a C4 but with a footprint more the size of a supermini – weighs in at just 980kg, so even though its engines are small and frugal it will have acceptable performance.

Videos: Volkswagen's exterior and interior designers highlight the Up's design elements

We've enjoyed the design of Volkswagen's new Up since we first saw the vehicle in concept form at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show. Devoid of any extraneous detailing, the simple, product design aesthetic is pared back to represent the crux of VW's design philosophy: pure, simple and solid.  The result is a harmonious design that stands out from the pack, with simple surfacing and subtle detailing; the Up's design is pure and minimalistic, which serves to exude quality in the product. Inside, the vehicle is brimming with space-saving design details.  From an IP devoid of central air vents to a thin headrest that visually extends the height of the interior, the Up is a success story in space efficiency, but it is also finished to a high level using quality materials.