1998 Toyota 4 Runner Sr5 Speedometer Bezel Dash Trim 18532 on 2040-parts.com

Subaru Stella Plug-in Electric Car (EV)

The Subaru Stella Plug-in EV goes on sale in Japan today Not designed to be anything other than a city car, the Subaru Stella has a range of around 55 miles on a full charge of its Li-ion batteries, which can be charged in about five hours from a standard socket (or in 15 minutes from a quick-charge outlet), and a has top speed of 62mph – so it really is a city-only car. Based on Subaru’s existing Stella mini-car the Stella EV is powered by a 60bhp (47kw) electric motor that delivers 125lb/ft of torque from the off. It also incorporates a regeneration system that tops up the batteries during deceleration to help the range.

Fuel-tank probe rekindles old issue

The placement of fuel tanks on passenger vehicles has changed over the past three decades, and for good reason. Automakers gradually have repositioned the tank to an area in front of the rear axle, generally below the rear passenger seat. Statistically speaking, the tank in that location is less vulnerable in a high-speed, rear-end crash than in the previous location--between the rear bumper and axle.

Los Angeles auto show 2010: news, blogs, galleries

5.37pm: That's all folksIt speaks volumes that the LA show is over so quickly. This is a very compact show compared to the world's larger auto expos. More news to follow in separate articles, and we'll have a new analysis piece on the LA show 2010 in the morning.