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From 'Made in China' to 'Designed in China'

Visitors to the recent Auto China in Beijing may have noticed an impressive new Chinese sports car – called Aculeus – on one of the smaller exhibitor stands. The concept car is the latest project undertaken by CH-Auto Technology Corporation – one of a growing number of automotive R&D service companies based in China that provides support to the OEMs. The company was established in August 2003 by Lu Qun, an engineer who originally trained at Tsinghua University and later specialized in engine development testing.

EcoBoost four-cylinder Ford Taurus certified at 32 mpg highway

For the first time since the 1980s, and let's face it, 1991 was the '80s, Ford will stash a four-cylinder engine in the Taurus sedan. With the four pot underhood, the Taurus will get 32 mpg on the highway. Gas mileage has also improved across the rest of the 2013 Taurus line, with the base car and the SHO model certified at 25 mpg or better on the highway.

Lexus LF-LC Blue concept unveiled in Australia

Lexus has unveiled a new take on the LF-LC concept—dubbed the LF-LC Blue—at the Australian motor show. The LF-LC Blue builds on the dramatic LF-LC coupe concept that debuted at the 2012 Detroit auto show, featuring the same wildly sculpted aluminum and carbon-fiber body. Lexus is calling concept's color Opal blue, a reference to the iridescent gemstones found in Australia.