Starter Motor-starter Denso 280-0174 Reman on 2040-parts.com

Toyota tests chips that improve hybrid efficiency by 10 percent

Toyota announced on Tuesday that it has developed a new semiconductor, claiming it can boost fuel efficiency in hybrid cars by an impressive 10 percent. The semiconductors manage the flow of electricity through the power-control unit that connects the battery to an electric or hybrid car's motor and generator. The newly developed semiconductors are said to consume only a tenth of the energy of today's chips, while allowing the power-control unit to be 80 percent smaller.

Alfa Romeo 8C, Maserati Quattroporte and GranTurismo recalled

Owners of 2005-2008 Maserati Quattroportes, 2008 GranTurismos, and the 2008 Alfa Romeo 8C should expect to hear from dealers soon as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall this past week. The recall is for tie-rod ends that have insufficient corrosion protection, which then leads to rust and weakening of the units. This unit could fail completely, causing the driver of the vehicle to lose control.

Porsche opens new Weissach design studio

Porsche has officially opened its new design center. Located at its Weissach development center, the facility includes interior and exterior design departments, plus a dedicated area for concept car construction. According to Porsche chairman, Matthias Müller, the architecture of the new studio has been designed to allow the firm's "creative developers to work hand-in-hand even more methodically than before." The new design center is one of three new buildings opened at the site, which have been built as part of a $200million investment at Weissach.