Civic hybrid tests Honda's new strategy

Despite being the first to sell an electric-gasoline car in the United States and making hybrid technology a centerpiece of its fuel economy push, Honda Motor Co. has yet to have a hybrid hit. But the redesigned Civic Hybrid, launched April 20, is the first test of whether Honda's new strategy of tapping lithium ion batteries and, later, two-motor systems can break the streak.

On video: the world's fastest truck

This is one lorry that you wouldn't get stuck behind on the motorway - Shockwave is the world's fastest jet-powered truck, with a top speed of almost 400mph. Based on a Peterbilt Semi, the four-ton beast generates 36,000hp and can cover quarter of a mile in six and a half seconds. Power comes from three Pratt & Whitney J34-48 jet engines, each of which produces 12,000hp.

2010 Audi Hybrid Q5 coming to the U.S.

Audi will offer a hybrid version of its Q5 crossover in the United States starting in late 2010, says Wolfgang Hatz, head of powertrain development for the Volkswagen group. In an interview Sunday at the Detroit Auto Show , Hatz said Audi must offer a hybrid model to compete with rival vehicles that already offer the technology, such as the Lexus RX 400H. The BMW X6 will be offered as a hybrid late this year, and Mercedes plans to roll out a hybrid in each of its major models starting with the S400 hybrid this year.