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For new CAFE rules, automakers place high-stakes tech bets

Game-changing 2015 fuel economy rules are forcing vehicle development teams to make high-stakes bets on expensive technologies--bets that will separate the winners from the also-rans. Not only do federal rules target a 2015 fleet average of 35.5 mpg, up from the current 27.5 mpg for cars and 23.1 mpg for light trucks; they force automakers to bet on different technology packages for each vehicle segment. Companies that do best at mixing technologies while keeping down costs will have an advantage when buyers wince at higher stickers.

GM EN-V concepts (w/ Gallery)

General Motors, and its Chinese partner SAIC, revealed three two-seat personal mobility concepts in Shanghai today. Called the EN-V – an acronym for Electric Networked-Vehicle – the Xiao (Laugh), Jiao (Pride) and Maio (Magic) models embody different characteristics for future transportation. The Jiao (top image) was designed at GM Europe while the Miao (bottom left) was created at GM's Advanced Design Studio in California, and the Xiao (bottom right) was designed by GM Holden's design team in Australia.

Audi introduces stop-start for auto ‘boxes

Audi is introducing stop-start on the A3 with auto 'box. Audi launched stop-start on some of their cars back in May, and now they’ve announced that they are to fit stop-start to A3s equipped with the S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is big step in the right direction now auto boxes are so good and the option of an auto ‘box is high on many buyers’ priority list. The stop-start is going to be made available on the A3 1.6 TDI and A3 1.4 TFSI.