Yamaha Xt500, Tt500 Decompression Cable 04-018 on 2040-parts.com

BMW, Mercedes consider return to 4-bangers in U.S. market

Facing stricter fuel economy standards, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are considering bringing four-cylinder engines back to the United States. BMW stopped offering four-cylinders in 1999 when its 318ti hatchback flopped. Mercedes-Benz had four-cylinder engines on the 2005 C230 and SLK230 but dropped them in favor of six-cylinder models.

Collector electrifies a 1955 LaSalle Roadster

Just months after Joe Bortz's unveiling of the restored 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne, the auto archeologist and collector is moving into the second phase of restoration with another General Motors Motorama concept car: the 1955 LaSalle Roadster. But here's the key difference--the LaSalle is going electric. As the LaSalle's motor was never completed, the roadster is considered a “push mobile.” To prepare the car so that it can be driven--rather than pushed--on the road, Bortz has teamed up with Pioneer Conversions, an Illinois business focusing in the electric conversion of various vehicles.

Porsche celebrates 2 million Facebook fans with museum car

Porsche hit 2 million friends on Facebook this week, and to celebrate, the company dedicated a car to all of them. The new Porsche Cayman S got a coat of white paint before each friend's profile picture was digitally added to the surface. They're all tinted in red, giving the car a candy-coated look, and the front-plate area reads "100% Porsche, 100% you." Fans also were asked to vote for their favorite historic racing livery.