When we think of breakthrough propulsion technology for automobiles, most people -- to say nothing of media outlets -- tend to focus on hybrid systems, or fuel cells, or plug-in electrics. But there's another group of scientists, engineers and innovators who are looking, some would say backwards, to the same internal combustion engine (ICE) invented way back in 1876 by Nikolaus Otto for fresh ideas. And fresh ideas are exactly what they've found.

MSN Auto's own Chuck Tannert penned an excellent piece for Popular Mechanics on the innovations taking place in the world of the combustion engine. Let's take a look at the types of technologies that could keep the ICE -- albeit a far more efficient, cleaner version -- around for decades to come. 

Tesla's line-up currently consists of one model: the $100,000-plus Roadster. In 2012 the company is expected to double their offerings with the more affordable Model S sedan (expected to run in the $60,000 range). Now, CEO Elon Musk is hinting that Tesla could use a common platform to roll out several new models, including a cabriolet, a crossover, and a van.

The presentation, as reported by Wired, is part of Tesla's road show to woo financial types to the company's upcoming IPO, which aims to raise $178 million and hopes to value the company around $1.4 billion.

Turns out, Musk could use that public offering cash sooner rather than later: according to the New York Times Dealbook blog, the Silicon Valley wunderkind -- who has made several fortunes with companies such as PayPal, Zip2, and SpaceX -- has run out of cash. 

The chief test driver for the Lexus LF-A sports car was killed in a crash on a public road near the famed Nürburgring where a prototype of a special Nürburgring edition of the car has been undergoing testing, according to sources in Germany.

The 67-year-old Japanese test driver apparently collided with a test car driven by two BMW test drivers outside the 'Ring earlier on Wednesday. The BMW drivers were injured but were expected to survive.

 

Alfa Romeo turns 100 on June 24, and the Capital Chapter of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club (AROC) is celebrating the famed Milanese maker's centennial with a weeklong series of festivities called “Alfa Century 2010.”

Centennial celebrations take place June 21-27 in numerous locations throughout the world including in Milan, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and during the Monterey weekend. But the Washington, D.C.-based AROC Capital Chapter's birthday bash represents the largest Alfa-exclusive commemoration in the United States.

Chapter president Harlan Hadley said he expects a terrific turnout of Alfa Romeos from all eras of “Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili” (A.L.F.A.) history.

 

Someday, psychologists will plumb the dented brainpans of auto journalists to figure out why so many are so in love with the humble station wagon. But maybe I’ve got it figured out: for all our unhealthy obsessions with racy-yet-unattainable beauties, we’re mostly dorks who secretly want to settle down with a nice, smart, practical girl (or guy).

And there’s nothing smarter and more practical -- yet still reasonably fun and handsome -- than a wagon. SUVs generally don’t handle as well, or get as good fuel economy. Minivans? Even auto writers have standards.

 

The cost of auto insurance varies state by state, and while it's a necessary expense, it also ranks low on most people's priorities list when it comes to where they actually do live: Very few people, of course, would relocated to another state based mainly on the cost of auto insurance. That being said, USA Today does have some tips for cutting back your cost, no matter where you call home.

First, make sure you're not spending too much money insuring a pile of junk. Of course you have to keep some insurance, but going keeping full coverage on a clunker means you may be insuring it for more than it's worth -- and in case the car is totaled, you'll be paid out based on the car's actual value rather than the value at which you insured it. (Check Kelley Blue Book for your car's current value.) 

Custom-body designer Lumma Design worked over the fire-breathing BMW X6 to create an even more powerful version bolstered with carbon and aerodynamic enhancements.

It's called the Lumma CLR X 650 M, and as always, speed is paramount. It pumps out 670 hp and has a top speed of 193 mph.

 

As if California drivers don't have enough to worry about between rising summer gas prices, congestion, and the fact that the state's coffers are essentially empty (so don't worry about getting any of those terrible roads fixed, unless you're in Beverly Hills), we now have to hope with all our might that a bill proposing this inanity doesn't get anywhere near passing.

That's right: California is looking into way to turn drivers' license plates into an advertising platform.

According to bill SB 1453, which passed without a dissenting vote on May 28, the DMV is authorized to partner with companies for R&D purposes aimed towards (and here I quote Gizmag): "the utilization of digital electronic license plates with specified areas of discussion and to conduct “real world” trials to gather data on the ability for DELP technology to deliver cost savings, workflow efficiencies and revenue generation."