Yamaha 440 Voltage Regulator Electronic Electrical Black Box on 2040-parts.com

Vehicles connect at Michigan International Speedway

The Michigan Department of Transportation and Michigan International Speedway have joined forces to help in the development of a connected-vehicle system. In the future, it will help cars communicate with each other on the road to avoid crashes and increase safety. The speedway, located in Brooklyn, Mich., will allow organizations such as the Connected Vehicle Proving Center and the Center for Automotive Research to use the track as a test road for the new technology.

Concept Car of the Week: IAD Venus (1989)

In the late '80s, IAD had become one of the most reputable design and engineering companies worldwide. The team developed models such as the first Mazda Miata/MX-5, the Volvo 480 coupé and the Alien concept. At the1989 Tokyo motor show, the firm added another masterpiece to an already outstanding portfolio with the Venus.

A look at Toyota future products

Toyota has slipped behind competitors in drivetrain technology and now must play catch-up against the likes of Ford, Hyundai and Mazda. Much of Toyota's lag stems from engineering resources being diverted by the unintended acceleration crisis and other quality miscues in the past two years. Now expect Toyota to focus more on turbocharging and direct injection, and it may even bring a couple of diesels to the United States as part of midcycle changes.