Monroe 71435 Front Oespectrum Strut on 2040-parts.com

GM bets on new four-cylinder family in Europe; U.S. plans unclear

General Motors' European subsidiary, Opel, has revealed a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that will be offered from early 2013 across its lineup, starting with the soon-to-be-revealed Astra-based Cascada convertible. The aluminum block unit, the first in a new range of so-called SIDI (spark ignition direct injection) ECOTEC engines, forms the centerpiece of the company's downsizing strategy for displacement. The engine is claimed to have improved torque characteristics and a significant reduction in consumption compared with its predecessor.

Jaguar XKR unveiled at Detroit auto show 2009

By Tim Pollard Motor Shows 12 January 2009 22:46 Jaguar has had a busy Detroit, unveiling not just the new XFR super-saloon and its one-off, tricked-up 225mph salt-flats saloon special, but also the revised XK range.Echoing the changes to the XF range (and in the coming months, most of the Jaguar Land Rover range), the 4.2-litre petrol V8 has been upgraded to the new 5.0 V8. Jag calls it the third-gen AJV8, reflecting its growth through the years from its 4.0-litre origins. The latest engine benefits from direct injection for more precise control over the combustion process.The end result?

Nissan's Google Glass rival keeps you connected to social media [w/Video]

Nissan will premiere a wearable heads-up display (HUD) at next week's Tokyo motor show. The Google Glass-like 3E prototype can connect to the Internet in real-time, allowing users to overlay information onto the lens, record projected images and communicate with others by sending information to their device. This is likely to include vehicle performance analysis and the driver's vital signs as well as social media feeds for increased connectivity if its recently released Nismo smartwatch is anything to go by.