Yamaha 9.9hp 15hp Cylinder Head 6e7-11111-00-94 on 2040-parts.com

Driven: BMW X3

The BMW X3 had the premium CUV market to itself when launched in 2004. Skip forward to the launch of the second generation and not only does the new version have a whole host of competitors for company, it also has to fit around its X1, X5 and X6 siblings. We took the 2011 BMW X3 (known internally as F25) to the Austrian Tyrol and spoke to its exterior designer, Erik Goplen, to find out if it still has the segment covered.

Automakers should disable technologies that distract drivers, U.S. says

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Thursday released its long-awaited guidelines on distracted driving, calling on automakers to disable applications that allow drivers to manually access social media, surf the Web or send text messages while on the road. The recommendations also seek to prevent any in-car technologies that require drivers to use both hands or take their eyes off the road for more than two seconds.

Audi A9 coupe/cabriolet planned for 2014

To achieve its goal of becoming the world's leading premium car maker by 2015, Audi continues to pull out all the stops. And while the range is stretching down with the A1 and imminent A2 superminis, Ingolstadt is also eyeing a move upmarket - with a proposed new A9. A new Audi A9?