1967 Chevy Nova Front Speaker Brace on 2040-parts.com

BMW works hard to avoid gas-guzzler tax

BMW AG hopes to get out from under the gas-guzzler taxes that are tacked on to the sticker prices of some of its high-performance models in the United States. Jim O'Donnell, president of BMW of North America, says the company is studying fuel-efficiency improvements that could eliminate the gas-guzzler taxes on its vehicles as early as the launch of their redesigns in the next few years. The 2010 550i GT incurs a $1,000 gas-guzzler fee, for example.

This bus concept brightens up journeys with transparent LCD screens

Designer Tad Orlowski has explored how technology could shape public transit vehicle design with his new ‘Willie' bus concept, which trades windows and body panels transparent LCD screens. With static advertising space replced with LCD screens the bus is transformed into a mobile billboard that display not only advertising but also information such as route plans, weather reports and suggestions for tourists. They could also have touch functions, allowing passengers to interact with the displays.

'Talking cars' in US safety drive

NEW CARS and light trucks may be fitted with technology that lets vehicles communicate with each other in a bid to avoid deadly crashes. A radio beacon would continually transmit a vehicle's position, heading, speed and other information. Cars would receive the same information back from other vehicles, and a vehicle's computer would alert the driver to an impending collision.