It was not until Henry Ford's gas-powered Model T that the internal combustion engine and the car became inseparable.

VOA: special.2010.11.17

One success so far: Barra pushed to speed up the consolidation of GM's three small-car engine lines, arguing that it shouldn't wait four years to introduce a single, more fuel-efficient engine that could be used worldwide.

FORBES: Needed: Butt Kicker

One thing hasn't: Cummins Engine, the world's biggest maker of heavy-duty diesel engines, still doesn't make money.

FORBES: This time is different -- maybe

It's just hard to score in the luxury market when you refuse to do an eight-cylinder engine, wear undistinguished styling and don't offer a rear-wheel-drive car.

FORBES: Acura: The Honda That Didn't