Radio/cd Changer 04 Discovery Ii on 2040-parts.com

Steve Earle out at Monterey Historics

Steve Earle, the founder of the famed Monterey Historics, is done as the organizer of the event after 36 races. Earle and track officials were unable to iron out a new deal, making this year's races--run last weekend--his final lap. The future of the must-attend event for classic racing fans is now in question.

Volkswagen considers bringing an electric vehicle to the United States

A larger version of the tiny Volkswagen E-Up! electric-vehicle concept, unveiled here at the Frankfurt auto show, likely will be sold in the United States. "The reason we are working on an electric vehicle is the American market," said Ulrich Hackenberg, board member in charge of product development at Volkswagen AG.

BMW 5-series is in line for the company's new triturbo diesel engine

Details leaked from a dealer conference held in Holland this week suggest that BMW's upcoming 550dX will be the first recipient of the German carmaker's new high-tech triturbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine. The new engine, which also is destined for the new X5 xDrive50d and X6 xDrive50d models, is claimed to produce 376 hp and more than 516 lb-ft of torque--some 70 hp and more than 74 lb-ft more than the most powerful version of BMW's existing twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine, as found in the X5 xDrive40d. The radical new engine, which is rumored to use two traditional exhaust-blown turbochargers in combination with an electrically driven turbocharger to add low-end response, is planned to be offered exclusively with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.