04 05 Gsxr 600 750 Rear Passenger Seat on 2040-parts.com

NHTSA upgrades probe into Jeep fuel tanks

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has upgraded its investigation into the fuel tank on three Jeep models to an engineering analysis, another step toward what could become a recall. Safety advocates say the location of the fuel tank, mounted behind the rear axle, makes it prone to catching fire in the event of a rear crash. The investigation covers Jeep Grand Cherokees built between 1993 and 2004, Jeep Cherokees built between 1993 and 2001, and Jeep Liberty SUVs built between 2002 and 2007.

Nissan’s new lightweight philosophy revealed

The leaked official drawings of the new Nissan Micra might have revealed the conventional styling of the company’s new supermini, but they gave little clue to the dramatically lightweight new platform that underpins it. The new Micra will be significantly lighter and more fuel efficient than the outgoing car due to a ruthless pursuit of weight reduction on the new V-platform (V = versatile), which on average has slashed 50kg from the new car's weight, and up to 70kg on some models. Project leader Noritaka Tsuru described the new package as a 'breakthrough car' that required a complete 'change in mentality' in how Nissan makes cars.

Mazda reveal date for all-new MX-5

Mazda has confirmed that the all-new fourth generation Mazda MX-5 (ND) will be unveiled in September 2014. The new MX-5 will be shown simultaneously at events in the USA, Japan and Barcelona in Spain. 2014 also marks the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the first MX-5 – also know as the Eunos Roadster and Mazda Miata – in 1989.