Computer Controller Audi A3 0281010308 038906019ck on 2040-parts.com

Toyota reveals safety research car at CES

One day before the International Consumer Electronics Show opened its doors in Las Vegas, Toyota took the wraps off the highest-tech Lexus LS ever made. The car -- with spinning sensors and probing lasers galore -- is meant to demonstrate safety features that could be coming to production cars someday soon. Called the Advanced Safety Research Vehicle, it sure looked like some of the autonomous self-driving vehicles we saw at the DARPA Challenge, but Toyota stressed that a robot car is not the goal.

Alfa's North America return pushed to 2013

Alfa Romeo's return to North America has been delayed at least a half year partly because Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is not satisfied with the design of the cars that will lead the brand's comeback in the crucial market, people with direct knowledge of the matter told Automotive News Europe. The delay also is a serious blow to Alfa in Europe because without the Giulia mid-sized sedan and station wagon the automaker will have one of the weakest premium brand lineups in Europe. Alfa parent Fiat S.p.A.

Launch control offered on 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

The list of manufacturers that offer launch control is getting a bit longer. Ford is joining Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche and a few boutique makers with its 2013 Shelby Mustang GT500. It's not so easy to get 662 hp down to the ground successfully, so Ford does it for you with overclocked computers and precise brake, throttle and clutch control.