Chrysler Oem Dodge Dashboard Air Vent 5gd76dx9aa Image 9 on 2040-parts.com

University students learn product development at Eco Car Challenge

The Eco Car Challenge spring workshop had a flavor of cutting-edge environmental technologies in advanced prototypes--developed by students. The event, at the Environmental Protection Agency's laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich., allowed journalists to get behind the wheel of these test cars. It was part of a competition among 16 North American universities to design, develop and build vehicles that are forward-looking yet practical.

Ford Fiesta Zetec S Red and Black Edition revealed – price from £15,995

The Fiesta Black and Red Editions arrive with a 138bhp 1.0 litre EcoBoost Everyone loves a sporty Fiesta – still a cracking little car in any guise – but it looks like Ford has spotted a gap in the market between the Zetec S with the 1.0 litre EcoBoost and the Fiesta ST. So we get the Ford Fiesta Zetec S Red and Black Editions to fill the gap we didn’t actually know was there. Ford has managed to squeeze even more power from their little 1.0 litre, 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine to give the Fiesta Red and Black Editions 138bhp, enough to crack 62mph in just 9.0 seconds.

Concept Car of the Week: Matra Laser (1971)

Founded in 1937, French company Matra began its activities by manufacturing military equipment such as aeronautics and weaponry. In the mid ‘60s, under Jean-Luc Lagardere's ambitious direction, the company bought Automobiles Rene Bonnet to expand its portfolio with street and racing cars. The first model solely developed by Matra was the bonkers, but brilliant, 1967 M530, which took its name from the company's surface-to-air missile the R530.