Moto Tassinari V-force 3 Reed Valve System on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes S-Class Maybach spied (video)

The Mercedes S-Class Maybach hits the Nurburgring The new Mercedes S-Class is already starting to proliferate, with a wide range of engines, two wheelbases and the CL Coupe’s replacement – the new S-Class Coupe – already hitting the market. But Mercedes are far from finished extending the S-Class franchise, and we’ve got two more versions of the S-Class Saloon – the Maybach and Pullman – still to come, and the arrival of the S-Class Convertible still to come. And now it looks like the S-Class Maybach – effectively a replacement for the ill-fated Maybach brand – is getting closer to debut with this S-Class Maybach spotted testing at the Nurburgring.

Off the line: Fun cars and social responsibility Autoweek op-ed stands the test of time

It's been almost 21 years to the day that Autoweek printed Matt DeLorenzo's column “Off the Line: There's room for fast, fun cars in diet of social responsibility.” And in those two decades plus, not much has changed except the vehicles themselves. For example, sports cars like the Bugatti Veyron and Pagani Huayra have astronomically high performance and safety levels; similarly, sport-utility vehicles that haul entire families (and most of their earthly possessions) achieve fuel economy similar to that of 1970s midsize sedans. To read all of DeLorenzo's thoughts and his case for automobiles, click the links to download the article.

Who's Where: Gert Hildebrand appointed Head of Design at Qoros Auto

Gert Hildebrand, former General Manager of Mini Design, was appointed Head of Design at Qoros Auto in January this year. In his new role, Hildebrand is responsible for overseeing a regeneration of the existing design and styling processes at the joint venture company, a collaboration between Qoros and Israel Corporation, which was founded in 2007. One of many high level designers making the transition to China, Hildebrand is is currently tasked with leading the creation of the new Qoros brand, which was unveiled at a presentation in Shanghai last week.