Schumacher Xi41b/pi-400 Power Inverter, 400 W on 2040-parts.com

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG packs 550 hp

Mercedes-Benz is adding a fire-breathing AMG variant of the GL sport-utility vehicle for the first time for 2013. The people hauler will pack a biturbo 5.5-liter V8 rated at 550 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. Code-named M157, it's capable of propelling the ute to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds en route to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Skoda reveals 2013 model offensive & extends new Skoda badge rollout

Skoda has revealed it is to launch six new models during 2013 and is also busy extending the rollout of its new badges across the Skoda range. Skoda has laid out its stall for 2013 early on, with a graphic posted on their Facebook page revealing new model plans for 2013 – all six of them. First out of the gate is the 2013 Skoda Rapid – which arrives this month – followed by the Skoda Octavia Hatch in March and the Octavia Estate in June.

Honda tears up its old product plan

Honda Motor Co. is reviewing its entire lineup with the aim of building less expensive and more fuel-efficient vehicles, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito says. In the case of some next-generation products--including the crucial Civic platform used on a variety of vehicles worldwide--that means making major changes to vehicles already well along in the development process.