Engine Expansion Plug Kit Dorman 02660 on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes-Benz has big plans for small cars

Breaking outside its American position of rear-wheel-drive luxury vehicles, Mercedes-Benz will launch its new front-wheel-drive architecture in the United States in the next three years in the form of a coupe, SUV and possibly a small wagon or compact hatchback. Joachim Schmidt, Mercedes' global sales and marketing boss, said Mercedes is developing at least four models based on its MFA, or Mercedes Front-wheel-drive Architecture. "We will introduce the next generation of our MFA family to the U.S.," Schmidt said in an interview.

Audi A1: American buyers not ready says U.S. chief De Nysschen

Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen says the United States and its small-equals-cheap mentality isn't ready for premium subcompacts such as the Audi A1, which goes on sale in Europe later this year. In an interview with Automotive News on Monday, de Nysschen said Audi is "seriously looking" at bringing the A1 to the United States in the car's next generation six to eight years from now. Bringing it here earlier could damage Audi's efforts to build widespread recognition for the brand, he said.

Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept: 2013 Detroit Auto Show

The Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept has been revealed at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, previewing the next generation of Hyundai’s premium offerings. Hyundai has now revealed the HCD-14 Genesis Concept in Detroit and there’s little doubt that this is the next Hyundai Genesis, albeit with a chunk of concept fripperies thrown in to titillate. Concept fripperies like the rear suicide doors and enormous carbon fibre wheels seem likely to be lost in the production version of the new Genesis (although Hyundai may surprise us) but it seems likely that the overall styling will come through, just as it has on many of Hyundai’s recent concepts (unless Peter Schreyer has a play now he’s in charge of Hyundai design).