Volkswagen Passat Engine Brain Box Electronic Control Module; 4 Cyl 02 on 2040-parts.com

GM bets on new four-cylinder family in Europe; U.S. plans unclear

General Motors' European subsidiary, Opel, has revealed a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that will be offered from early 2013 across its lineup, starting with the soon-to-be-revealed Astra-based Cascada convertible. The aluminum block unit, the first in a new range of so-called SIDI (spark ignition direct injection) ECOTEC engines, forms the centerpiece of the company's downsizing strategy for displacement. The engine is claimed to have improved torque characteristics and a significant reduction in consumption compared with its predecessor.

Concept Car of the Week: Lamborghini Marzal (1967)

In 1967, Lamborghini's lineup consisted of just two cars – the Miura and the 400 GT 2+2 – but this wasn't enough for Ferrucio Lamborghini, who fancied a true four-seater GT to add to his stable. After the successful collaboration on the Miura, he naturally returned to carrozeria Bertone which was commissioned to design the car. The project was left in the hands of Marcello Gandini, who turned Ferrucio's vision into a revolutionary design concept.

Renault Clio facelift for 2009

The facelifted Renault Clio for 2009 - Due to launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March As with most car makers, Renault is going for the ‘Family’ look, and has grafted a new nose on the Clio to make it look like its big brother, the Megane. So it gets a new front end with new headlights, slitty grill and an air intake at the bottom. Big play is being made of the Clio GT (which Renault says will give more people more Va Va Voom!), and these are the pictures we have here.