1936 Ford V-8 Distributor on 2040-parts.com

Design Contest: Michelin Challenge Design announces 2008 theme and call for entries

Michelin Challenge Design, one of the world's fastest growing transportation design programs, has announced it will continue its focus on safety in 2008 under the central theme of 'Safety over Size.' The 2008 theme was announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit showcased works from vehicle manufacturers, students, as well as the first full-size concept to be submitted by an independent entrant. Rising energy costs, urban congestion and environmental concerns are all contributing to an increased interest in smaller vehicles, but consumers are often hesitant to consider smaller vehicles due to safety concerns that are both real and perceived. Participating designers are encouraged to 'throw away the book' and to present ideas that enhance the real and perceived safety and security of smaller vehicles through design innovations in areas such as accident avoidance, enhanced driver controls, survivability and visibility.

Nissan recalls trucks, SUVs to fix ignition relay

Nissan is recalling about 760,000 trucks in the United States and Canada to fix a faulty ignition relay. The recall covers the Nissan Titan and Frontier pickups and the Nissan Pathfinder, Xterra, Armada and Infiniti QX56 SUVs. The North American recall is part of a larger, global recall of 2.14 million vehicles by Nissan to fix the bad relay.

A look at Lexus future products

Lexus is reworking its sedan lineup as part of an effort to vault past Mercedes-Benz and BMW and retake the luxury sales lead. It also aims to add sparkle to the lineup with a coupe based on the wild LF-LC concept and possibly a coupe derived from the GS. The lineup also is likely to expand to include a smaller five-passenger crossover.