Autometer 3906 Tachometer 5" / Pedestal W/shift-lite/elec Each on 2040-parts.com

Japan order backlog puts U.S. allocation of Toyota Prius C at risk

Soaring demand for the new Toyota Prius C in Japan may create a U.S. allocation dilemma. The pint-sized hybrid is scheduled to arrive in U.S.

2014 BMW X3 Facelift and more efficient engines

The 2014 BMW X3 (pictured) gets a facelift and new engines The current version of the BMW X3 SUV has been with us for more than three years, so BMW are giving it a bit of a mid-cycle facelift and more frugal engines to keep the X3 on top of its – very successful – game. Engines on offer for the 2014 X3 include the 2.0 litre diesel in the sDrive18d which offers 148bhp and 56.8mpg and the 187bhp in the X3 xDrive20d which returns 52.3mpg, the xDrive30d – which gets the 3.0 litre diesel unit – with 254bhp and 47.9mpg and the X3 xDrive35 which has an impressive 309bhp but still manages official economy of 47.1mpg. When it comes to the cosmetic facelift bits, BMW hasn’t really pushed the boat out, but the new X3 does get a new headlight design which is sleeker, new front and rear bumpers and a new surround for the kidney grill, which all contrive to make the new X3 look even more like a baby X5.

[Updated] Apple CarPlay set for Geneva debut

Apple is set to launch its integrated in-car iOS CarPlay at this week's Geneva motor show, partnering with Volvo, Ferrari and Mercedes. For the first time CarPlay Apple's iOS will linked directly to the car's built-in screen, with mirrored functions simplified for use while driving. Many functions are controlled by Apple's Siri voice command softwarre although if the car is fitted with a touchscreen and/or other control interfaces these can also be used.These will control major functions such as music, phone calls, iMessages and the controversial Apple Maps for navigation.