1965-1967 Corvette Ammeter Amp Gauge, 1503035 on 2040-parts.com

MINI gets a BMW 2.0 litre diesel

BMW 2.0 litre diesel in a MINI raises the prospect of a MINI John Cooper Works diesel [ad#ad-1] Just like every other car maker, MINI is trying to find a way to give their cars extra eco-kudos but still be able to deliver what their customers want. Hybrids, electric cars and other ‘eco-friendly’ options are one way to go, but diesels, with their extra torque and modern power, can deliver much of what a zippy little petrol unit can (even if they do lose some of the subtlety). So BMW are looking at ways to inject a little more economy in to the MINI Cooper, and if possible a little more power.

Audi showcases bright future

AUDI IS to showcase new front lighting technology that uses super-powerful laser diodes just a few thousandths of a millimetre in diameter. But at the same time, the tiny diodes are claimed to be able to light the road ahead for an incredible 500 metres. That gives the technology about double the reach of today’s best LED headlights, with around three times as much overall light output.

Official: Aston Martin Cygnet axed – fewer than 150 sold

Sir Stirling Moss was one of fewer than 150 Aston Martin Cygnet buyers Last month we reported that Aston Martin appeared to have axed their take on a supermini – the Aston Martin Cygnet – after just a couple of years. Now that news seems to be official after Reuters spoke to an Aston Martin source who also said the Cygnet sold so poorly that fewer than 150 were sold. That must make the Cygnet one of the poorest performing cars in any company’s sales history, especially as that fewer than 150 total was supposed to be 4,000 a year.