Vht Sp403 Vht Engine Metallic on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes G-Class Updated

The Mercedes G-Class has had some minor tweaks as it reaches its 30th birthday Don’t get too excited, though. These are not exactly extensive, but then the G-Class has always been about slow development, not huge change. So trim levels stay the same, and you still have the choice of the G350 CDi, the G50 and the G55 AMG.

Automakers trail in the great gizmo race

A customer at Rockland Toyota in suburban New York recently asked why he couldn't recharge his cell phone through the USB port built into the otherwise sophisticated Toyota Venza crossover. Evan Kuperman, the dealership's assistant general manager, took a deep breath. He shrugged his shoulders and smiled.

Volkswagen shows off new 1.8-liter engine for Jetta, Passat, and Beetle

Volkswagen is rolling out a new 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injected TSI engine which will debut in the Jetta, Beetle, and Passat later this year. This thrifty new engine will replace the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine now available in those models. But the 1.8-liter is no slouch: it produces the same 170 hp as the outgoing five-cylinder engine, while adding 7 lb-ft torque for a total of 184.