Suzuki Dr650se Headlight Shroud Dr 650se 2011 Mint on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen plans 4 million cars from one platform

Volkswagen is pushing the global-platform concept to a level unprecedented in the auto industry, introducing a modular platform this summer that eventually will be the basis of microcars, sedans, crossovers and SUVs for its four largest brands. While automakers now share platforms across brands and sometimes even segments, the VW initiative that starts this summer is far more ambitious than anything seen so far. By 2017, some analysts estimate, the MQB platform that debuts with the Audi A3 eventually will be used in 4 million units a year--close to half of VW's annual production.

Volkswagen Golf GTD Mk 7 revealed

The 2013 VW Golf GTD has been revealed ahead of a Geneva Motor Show debut with 181bhp, 67.3mpg and 109g/km emissions. The new VW Golf GTD get VW’s new 2.0 litre 4-cylinder diesel which offers an impressive 181bhp and a very decent 280lb/ft of torque, enough to get to 62mph in 7.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 143mph. The extra power (up 13bhp and 22lb/ft of torque) may mean better performance than the Mk 6 GTD, but it’s not at the price of poorer economy.

Kia Ray plug-in Hybrid revealed

Kia has revealed their plug-in hybrid concept - the Kia Ray - at the Chicago Motor Show A few weeks ago we reported on a tease from Kia of the Kia Ray Concept they were taking along to Detroit’s lower key motor show sibling – the Chicago Motor Show. And true to their word they revealed the Kia Ray at Chicago – and a convincing Prius rival it looks. Instead of the stodgy mainstream hybrids churned out to date by (mainly) the Japanese, the Kia looks like a breath of fresh air.