Ford Oem Cover (cap) Xf1z14277aa on 2040-parts.com

Green three-wheelers may get Energy Department funding

Aptera Motors, Elio Motors and other companies developing fuel-efficient three-wheeled vehicles got a boost from Congress this week in their quest for federal funding. Legislation to make three-wheeled vehicles eligible for Energy Department loans passed a conference committee of House and Senate leaders Wednesday and then got approval from the full House on Thursday. It is part of an energy spending bill likely to go before the Senate by next week for final congressional passage, a Senate aide said.

BMW 4-Series Coupe concept [w/Gallery]

The BMW 4 Series Coupe concept will make its debut at next month's NAIAS in Detroit, when it will become the first model to wear the new 4er badge as it distances itself from the 3 Series sedan. While billed as a concept it is believed to be virtually production-ready. It offers little in the way of surprises in the wake of the F10 3 Series and larger 6 Series with traditional short front and long rear overhang proportions.

Marcello Gandini laments today's 'fake' concepts

Marcello Gandini has branded current concept cars fakes and "little more than maquettes" in an interview about Bertone's extensive concept car history. The enigmatic designer, whose work with the design house stretches back to the late ‘60s, expressed his dislike of today's "fiberglass cars" and claims they can't hold a candle to the well-built concepts of old. He praises Nuccio Bertone's vision and his insistence on producing fully working, "almost driveable" concepts throughout the coachbuilder's existence.