1942 Chrysler Sales Brochure Thunderbolt on 2040-parts.com

Maeda named new Mazda design boss, replacing van den Acker

Ikuo Maeda is the new head of design at Mazda Motor Corp. The man who is credited with styling the Mazda's flagship sports car takes over for Dutchman Laurens van den Acker, 43, who has decided to leave the company "to pursue other interests," the automaker said in a statement today. Van den Acker, who joined Mazda in 2006, will remain at the automaker until April 10 to ensure a smooth transition for Maeda, Mazda said.

2014 Mercedes C-Class: OFFICIAL – and it looks like a proper baby S-Class

The 2014 Mercedes C-Class (pictured) looks like a proper baby S-Class The 2014 (or 2015 if you’re in the US) Mercedes C-Class has finally been officially revealed ahead of its debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month, and it looks to be a convincing take on a proper scaled-down S-Class. With Mercedes launching a more credible range of compact cars beneath the C-Class – with the new A-Class and CLA – targeting younger, funkier buyers, Mercedes has taken the C-Class from the ‘entry-’level’ real Mercedes to become a properly grwon up luxury saloon, just smaller than its E-Class and S-Class siblings. The new C-Class is wider, longer and has a longer wheelbase – with most of the extra 3 inches in the wheelbase benefiting the rear passengers – yet it’s lighter and more dynamic than the model it replaces, thanks in no small part to an aluminium hybrid body that now has up to 50 per cent aluminium in its panels.

Arizona auctions: Valley of the dollars

The next chapter in the battle for auction supremacy will commence this month, when the auction giants gather under the sun for the annual Arizona auction week. Leading the charge is perennial powerhouse Barrett-Jackson, which gathers lots of cars and automobilia under one massive tent. Cars start hitting the block for the six-day auction on Tuesday, Jan.