Argonne tackles energy conservation, competitiveness Two topics of high interest to the auto industry—the decline of U.S. automakers and the push for energy conservation—are at the forefront of research projects at Argonne National Laboratory. The research lab will spend around $40 million for transportation research this year, and its research efforts could help to determine what projects the U.S. Department of Energy suggests Congress should consider supporting. Read full story

Pininfarina concept uses 'Liquid' Packaging The Italian design house has developed the Sintesi concept sports car constructed around a hydrogen fuel-cell drivetrain. Instead of designing a shape to cover the mechanical elements of the car, the liquid approach is said to give shape to the mechanical elements packaged around the passengers. Read full story

Honda grows Fit Introduced in Europe and Japan seven years ago and in the U.S. in 2007, Honda’s “world car”—the B-class Fit—has been a blockbuster success for the company. The all-new 2009 Fit was developed to address customer feedback regarding interior room, ride, and handling. Read full story

The Eagle becomes Evora Lotus has decided to turn its new V6, naturally aspirated, mid-engined coupe from a project Eagle into a production Evora. The transformation came at the British International Motor Show in London and was necessary because the Eagle name was registered to another company. Read full story