Carquest 22946 Heater Hose on 2040-parts.com

Report: Gasoline engine has big bang for the fuel-economy buck

A government report says improving the gasoline engine will yield huge gains for the consumer and the environment as automakers consider ways to improve fuel economy over the next 14 years. The Obama administration's technical assessment looked at four technology scenarios by which automakers might attain suggested CAFE goals of 47 to 62 mpg for cars and light trucks by 2025. The scenarios differed by the portion of an automaker's fleet that was accounted for by electrics, hybrid electrics and plug-in hybrid electrics.

Mercedes-Benz hires BMW designer

Seems like the Mercedes-Benz design department is bulking up on new talent. Karim Habib, the exterior designer of the new BMW 7-series, has been lured to Mercedes-Benz where he will head up the advanced design studio on the outskirts of Stuttgart, Germany. Habib will work under Mercedes-Benz's new design boss, Gorden Wagener.

RenaultSport Clio 200: Price from £18,995

Renault has confirmed prices for the RenaultSport Clio 200, starting at £18,995 in standard spec and £19,995 for the Lux spec. Starting at £18,995, the RenaultSport Clio 200 comes with AirCon, SatNav, Bluetooth, Keyless and Sports seats with Renault’s Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) gearbox as standard (which can skip gears) and the RS Drive system – giving a choice of three modes that change the settings for throttle, engine and steering – launch control and traction control you can actually switch off. If you want a few more home comforts, then you can opt for the Lux version that throws in Climate, auto lights and wipers, better sound system and electric windows for an extra £1,000.