Ford Oem 2l1z17626aa Valance on 2040-parts.com

Ford to unveil 'solar powered' hybrid car

FORD IS to unveil a solar-powered concept car capable of 100 miles per gallon that offers the same performance as a plug-in hybrid - but without the need for a plug. The C-MAX Solar Energi Concept car, which will be revealed at this month's International CES gadget show in Las Vegas, uses a petrol engine combined with a gizmo that acts like a magnifying glass to concentrate the sun's rays on the vehicle's roof-mounted solar panels. Ford says the vehicle's estimated combined mileage is 100 miles per gallon.

BMW M550d xDrive (2012) - the diesel M saloon

BMW has launched its first diesel M car: the new M550d xDrive in saloon and Touring estate forms. It's part of a strategy to fill the gap between the exclusive M GmbH division cars and the top-end cosmetic M Sport trim lines with a new range of M lite: BMW M Performance Automobiles. Developed by the engineers responsible for the M3, M5 et al, the new M550d xDrive is powered by a new high-output version of the 3.0-litre straight six turbodiesel packing not one, not two, but three turbochargers.

Aston Martin Rapide interior shots surface

This appears to be the first official image of the interior of the Aston Martin Rapide So it’s no real surprise, with the Aston Martin Rapide actually getting to the point of being production ready, that shots (or renderings, probably) have surfaced. We had ‘official’ shots of the Aston Martin Rapide in April, and now we have an interior shot. Not the biggest – or most enlightening – shot, but they do seem to be real, rather than the work of an enthusiastic amateur Photoshopper.