Chassis

200-mph electric racecar aims to break track records Lola-Drayson’s 850-hp Formula E prototype sports active aerodynamics, wireless charging, and regenerative suspension dampers. Read full story

National Academies offers ideas on NHTSA capabilities in vehicle electronics Though supportive of the decision by NHTSA, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, to close its investigation related to cases of unintended acceleration in some Toyota models, an arm of the National Academies has issued a report describing as "troubling" NHTSA's inability to convincingly address public concerns about the safety of automotive electronics. Read full story

NAIAS 2012: Michelin rolls out the Defender Safety, longevity, and fuel efficiency are the three performance cues of the new Michelin Defender passenger vehicle tire, which goes on sale in retail outlets this April. Read full story

Rollout of airless, flat-proof tire prototypes Bridgestone and Yokohama unveil non-pneumatic concept tires. Read full story

NAIAS 2012: Falcon Motor Sports introduces production version of F7 “supercar” First-year production run of 10 units in a Series I is planned. Price is $225,000 for model with 7.0-L V8 rated at 620 hp. Ricardo supplies six-speed manual transmission. Read full story

NAIAS 2012: MINI builds stiffness into soft-top Roadster Special emphasis was placed on achieving a torsionally rigid body to attain the desired driving dynamics. Read full story

Dart nameplate returns as Dodge C-size entry Adapted from Alfa Romeo Giulietta platform, the Dart's body and aero package is designed for class-leading Cd. Three four-cylinder engines are offered, a 1.4-L Fiat turbo Multi-Air, and two naturally aspirated Tiger Shark engines, which are versions of the Chrysler “world” engine modified for lower NVH and more torque at low rpm. Read full story