1975 Dodge Adventurer Magazine Sept Oct Collector's Edition Bicentennial Charger on 2040-parts.com

Fiat makes bid to buy Opel

The proposed partnership between Fiat and Chrysler has been thrown into a tailspin with revelations that the Italian carmaker has made a secret offer to purchase a majority stake in Opel. Klaus Franz, chairman of Opel's works council, on Thursday confirmed Fiat's interest in a takeover of General Motors' European subsidiary, suggesting that officials have cleared the way for the signing of a letter of intent as early as April 28. Opel has been in talks with parts supplier Magna International on a possible partnership over the past month.

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.

Porsche Boxster E (2011): prototype Boxster EV

Porsche recently rolled out the first of three Boxster E electric vehicles, to take part in the 'Electromobility Region Stuttgart' local government initiative in Germany. The Boxster E is powered by two electric motors, capable of a peak power output of 180kW. Energy is stored in a 29kWh battery pack.  Not with the Boxster E. Three electric Boxsters are being built as part of a programme sponsored by the Baden-Wurttemberg state government (Porsche's home state in Germany) and WRS, the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation.  Porsche's hometown of Stuttgart is one of eight model regions participating in a federal pilot programme sponsored by the Minitsry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs to develop EVs and their supporting infrastructure.  The three Boxster E prototypes will take part in the programme, acting as mobile laboratories for testing EV usage and planning for EVs in urban infrastructure.  CAR's view? We reckon this electric Boxster E is much cooler than your usual EV council van.