1954 Cadillac Air Cleaner on 2040-parts.com

McLaren launches Special Operations unit for customers' custom requests

British sports-car maker McLaren has launched its Special Operations unit, which will help the company's well-heeled buyers customize their cars. McLaren previewed some handiwork from the new division at this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, with a custom example of the MP4-12C. The customized sports car had a variety of carbon-fiber trim upgrades and special treatment such as unique orange paintwork, a gloss-black roof, diamond-cut-finish wheels with gloss-back inners, 12C-branded carbon sill panels, a carbon steering wheel and carbon-fiber cover vents for the engine.

Pickup trucks battle over mpg

Coming this fall: The pickup wars resume, with a twist. Expect boastful claims of horsepower, torque, towing capacity and durability. But this year the Ford and Ram brands also plan to duke it out over fuel economy.

Mercedes want in with Brawn GP

Mercedes are considering closer ties with Brawn GP [ad#ad-1] With Brawn GP wiping the floor with everything on the F1 circus this season, and particularly World Champions McLaren, it is being reported that Mercedes are seeking a closer relationship with the new darlings of the paddock. At the moment Mercedes supplies engines to Brawn GP on a customer basis. In other words, Brawn GP has to cough up the cost – which will not be insignificant.