Chevrolet Volt fire probe is closed, NHTSA says

U.S. safety regulators said Friday that they've closed an eight-week investigation into the Chevrolet Volt, concluding that the plug-in hybrid's battery doesn't pose a significant fire risk following a crash. In a statement, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it "does not believe that Chevy Volts or other electric vehicles pose a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles." The agency said that modifications intended to reinforce the Volt's 435-pound lithium-ion battery pack that General Motors announced on Jan.

Rinspeed E2 concept(2009): first pictures

Rinspeed E2 concept By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 27 February 2009 10:05 Fancy both a Fiat 500 Abarth and an entry-level 500, but as an all-in-one package? Then infamous Swiss concept car builder Rinspeed has the car for you. Called the E2, it’s based on the 500 Abarth, but with some clever engine management technology that allows the car to run with either 158bhp or 59bhp.

Mercedes-Benz previews S-Class via 'Aesthetics S' sculpture

Mercedes-Benz has previewed the next-generation S-Class by continued its series of sculptures with ‘Aesthetics S', set to be unveiled at the Paris motor show. The new relief-like sculpture is set to display the automaker's view of the design of the future luxury saloon through projected images that give a glimpse of the upcoming sedan. Depictions of the four previous S-Class models from the past – the model series W189, W108, W126 and W221 – it can also convey the impact of the S-Class tradition.