Pro Series 1400750340 Caster on 2040-parts.com

Mini debuts four new design lines for 2014 Cooper

Mini Coopers really come to life when finished in the marque's signature appearance packages, such as Union Jack roofs and checkered flag mirror caps, and for the third-generation three-door hardtops debuting this spring the automaker is debuting some new designs. Minis have always been about personalization, and since the brand's relaunch under BMW's roof owners seemed to appreciate the cheeky designs that included roof graphics, grille-mounted headlights, racing stripes for the hood, and mirror caps. All those features are coming back for the new 2014 three-door Hardtops, and along with them the company is introducing a lineup of four Mini Characters, called Vivid Green, Speedwell Blue, John Cooper Works Pro, and Essential Black.

Volvo Flywheel KERS Hybrid cuts fuel consumption by 25%

Two years ago we reported that Volvo were testing a clever hybrid Flywheel KERS system for road cars and hoped it would prove to be a good way to make road cars more economical. And it seems it does. The Hybrid Flywheel KERS system Volvo has developed weighs only 6kg, has a diameter of just 20cm, is made of carbon fibre, sits in a vacuum and is located on the back axle and works by recovering energy under braking which is then stored for use when the car moves off.

Volkswagen and BYD get cosy

VW and BYD have signed an agreement to work together on developing battery technology (BYD F3DM plug-in Hybrid pictured). Volkswagen has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese car maker and EV specialist BYD to work together “in the area of electric mobility”. Seems sensible.