10166-lghol Holley Ls Fest Flexfit Flat Bill Hat on 2040-parts.com

Watch Tesla Model S testing new titanium armor

In a missive signed by Elon Musk himself, Tesla announced it would be adding titanium plates and aluminum deflectors to all new Model S sedans and offering free retrofits for the 20,000 or so existing EVs. The company earlier offered an over-the-air software update to raise the ground clearance of the Model S so the car would be more likely to clear dangerous road debris. The actions were in response to well-publicized fires in the electric luxury sedans.

UAW: GM, Chrysler may not need additional federal funds

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said today that General Motors and Chrysler LLC may not need additional federal loans beyond the $17.4 billion approved by the White House. "If we can get by without more money, that's what we want to do," Gettelfinger told Automotive News in an interview at Solidarity House in Detroit. He said how well the money holds out will depend on sales volume this year.

2012 Volkswagen Passat priced at $20,765

The all-new 2012 Volkswagen Passat, looking to be a big player in the highly competitive midsize segment and the first car to be built at a new Chattanooga, Tenn., assembly plant, will come to market this fall with a base sticker price of $19,995, plus $770 destination charge. The 2012 Passat will be sold with three powertrains and a variety of equipment levels. “The 2012 Passat is a true Volkswagen, offering German engineering, class-leading standard features and superior fuel economy, all for a remarkable value,” said Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.