1999-2000 Mazda 626 / Protege, Ecu / Pcm Engine Module Computer on 2040-parts.com

Driven: BMW i8

When BMW unveiled the Vision EfficientDynamics concept at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show, we wrote: "for our money, it's the first time a major carmaker has really attempted to communicate ‘green' technology in an aesthetic sense." Fast-forward five years and we've swapped the show halls of the IAA for a beauty spot on the north-west coast of Scotland. And, while the car's name has changed to i8, our sentiment towards this genre- and era-defining car remains. Admittedly the production car's design execution hasn't received the universal praise of its concept forebears, but, on a remote outpost of the British Isles, a Protonic Blue i8 couldn't look more exotic.

VIA Motors to bring electric vehicle lineup to LA Auto Show

Via Motors will be displaying its range of electric trucks at the upcoming LA Auto Show, and visitors will get the opportunity to try its VTRUX vehicle. Haven't heard of VIA Motors? It's an EV startup with a factory in Mexico that will outfit full-size GM pickups and vans with its own extended-range electric powertrain.

New Nissan 'Golf rival' teaser shot revealed

AFTER a long absence from the compact family hatchback market, Nissan has released a teaser shot of the car that it hopes will 'putt' the Volkswagen Golf in its place. The new car will be called the Pulsar, and comes eight years after the final UK-bound Almera hatchback was sold. Nissan will be hoping that the dour reputation of that car will be left long behind, and on the basis of its latest models like the new Qashqai, things are looking good.