Autometer Vacuum Gauge New 3484 on 2040-parts.com

Renault Fluence Z.E.

Honoring its 2009 Frankfurt motor show pledge to offer EV's by 2012, Renault has announced the Fluence Z.E., which will soon be offered alongside its conventionally-powered sibling. In making its transition to EV, the Fluence has undergone several changes; the most obvious being the battery pack which dictated an increase in the car's overall length. The extended rear quarter panels, which equate to the 130mm growth, add a sizeable visual weight to the rear of the car.

Mazda reveals Mazda2 EV with range-extender Wankel rotary engine

Mazda reveals Mazda2 EV with range-extender Wankel rotary engine It’s long seemed logical that a compact Wankel rotary engine – running at a constant speed – would be a great way of fitting electric cars with a range-extender option. Audi flirted with the idea of fitting the A1 e-tron with a Wankel engine a couple of years ago, but that got shelved. And Mazda – keepers of the Wankel flame – came up with the idea of a Wankel engine bolted in to an EV and powered by hydrogen last year, but it seems to0 have gone nowhere.

Land Rover Freelander 2 hits 250,000. But is this the zenith?

250,000 Freelander 2s built It’s the car that started the whole compact SUV / softroader love affair back in 1997. Thankfully, the Freelander has come a long way since then, and the Land Rover Freelander 2 is a properly good car. So good is the Freelander 2 that Land Rover are celebrating the 250,000th Freelander 2 to roll off the production line today at Halewood.