72 Valiant Interior Bulb Kit on 2040-parts.com

Volvo gives T6 engine the Polestar treatment

Just weeks after announcing its Polestar performance kits for the T5-engined cars, Volvo is now offering packages for the XC60, S60 and XC70 models fitted with its turbocharged six-cylinder engine. The T6 Polestar software package adds 25 hp and 30 lb-ft of torque, bringing totals to 325 hp and 355 lb-ft, respectively. Volvo says the added power won't result in greater fuel consumption, as the tuning of the engine only increases power when needed--though we'd imagine most drivers will feel the need often enough to significantly affect mileage.

New Volvo XC90 (2014) previewed by Volvo designers

Volvo's view on the 2014 XC90 The Volvo XC90 is still a capable cross between a luxury SUV and a Crossover (as we discovered recently when we played with the XC-90 R-Design for a week), but it is now very ancient. Launched in 2002, the XC90 has soldiered on essentially unchanged (bar some tweaks and the R-Design options), yet despite that it’s still a credible option with some very appealing traits. But it’s well past time to reveal a new XC90.

New Mercedes-Benz S-class spotted in SoCal

The new Mercedes-Benz S-class must be hustling toward the developmental-cycle finish line, because it's been spotted en masse in places such as Toronto (where it must be undergoing cold-weather testing) and Irvine, Calif. (where it must be gauging the interest of Benz-crazy vox populi). Because as devoid as it is of bodywork-breaking pillboxes, camera-obfuscating swirl paint, and surly engineers, the fact that it's seen here in little more than some sticky paper and a pair of cheap sunglasses on the driver means that the elder statesman of the automotive world is readying its next debut.