Si-tex Explorer Plus W/gpk-11 Explorer Plus on 2040-parts.com

Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde gets a tweak and a tickle

2011 Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde - cosmetic tweaks & new toys The Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde already sits at the top of the very appealing MiTo range, but that hasn’t stopped Alfa spreading more Alfa goodness across its bows for the new 2011 model year cars. Don’t get too excited that the tickles include power upgrades – they don’t. But when the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde already boasts one of the best Alfa engines for a long time – the 1.4-litre TB Multiair – that’s not too much of a disappointment.

Rankin: Spirit of Ecstasy collection

Earlier this year, Rolls-Royce announced its collaboration with renowned photographer Rankin in celebration of the Spirit of Ecstasy centenary. Over the course of the collaboration, Rankin has snapped 100 images all inspired by the Spirit of Ecstasy – the defining feature of Rolls-Royce's face. Exploring the femininity of the ‘Flying lady', Rankin worked with a variety of materials, fabrics and paint to create the portraits and other works.

GM to double size of battery lab

General Motors says it will spend $8 million to double the size of its Global Battery Systems Lab, which the company claims is the largest and most technologically advanced automotive battery lab in the United States. GM says the expansion will speed up the development of hybrid and electric vehicles, such as the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, by improving on-site testing of battery cells and systems. When finished, the lab will be 30,000 square feet bigger than it is now, for a 63,000-square-foot total.