05 06 07 Ford Escape Chassis Ecm 121488 on 2040-parts.com

Ferrari to revive GTO name

Ferrari is set to return the evocative GTO (Gran Turismo Omolagato) name to its lineup on a limited-edition, two-seat version of the F599 Fiorano GTB. The new car, conceived to run bodywork and mechanical components from the Italian carmaker's race-bound 599XX, is expected to make its public debut at the Paris motor show in September--marking the first time the GTO badge has been applied to one of Ferrari's road cars since the launch of the much-revered 288 GTO in 1984. Among the changes brought to the new car is a series of carbon-fiber exterior panels, a stripped-out interior and specially developed alloy wheels--all aimed at lowering the weight by 132 pounds from the 3,718 pounds of the F599 Fiorano GTB.

Volvo makes breakthrough in battery tech

Volvo has developed a new way of ‘storing’ energy for its future electric vehicles. The Swedish firm is exploring the concept of lightweight structural energy storage components made from carbonfibre, containing “nano structured batteries and super capacitors.” This technology is said to offer a lighter, more compact solution to the problem of energy storage, potentially removing the need for the heavy, bulky batteries used in current electric vehicles. On Bing: see pictures of the Volvo S80 Find out how much a used Volvo S80 costs on Auto Trader The investigation into the new technology is part of an EU-funded research project, undertaken by Volvo – the only major car manufacturer involved – and nine other organisations.

Toyota GT86 gets 325bhp from Gazoo Racing – again

Toyota’s renegade Gazoo Racing are teasing another Toyota GT86 with 325bhp – the GRMN FR Sports Concept Platinum – for the Tokyo Auto Salon. There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding the Toyoya GT 86 (and the Subarua BRZ too) and the likelihood that it will get forced induction at some point to offer a chunk more power than its standard 197bhp. It’s always seemed likely that Toyota and Subaru would add a supercharger or turbo (or both) to their cars to give a properly powerful option.