1998 Ford Ranger 2wd Coil Springs on 2040-parts.com

Ecclestone wants to bring the noise

FORMULA ONE supremo Bernie Ecclestone has vowed to address growing concerns surrounding the sport's lack of an appealing noise. Following Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Ron Walker, chairman of the organising company that stages the race, complained to close friend Ecclestone about the lack of sound. The piercing scream of the old V8 engine has gone, and in its place we now have a huskier tone, complete with whistles and whirrs from the 1.6-litre V6 turbo as F1 tries to become greener.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class aerodynamics tested [w/video]

Mercedes-Benz has produced a video testing the aerodynamics of its new B-Class – which it claims is the most aerodynamically efficient car in the world – using a wind tunnel and fluorescent paint. The W245-generation B-Class has the lowest aerodynamic drag in its segment with a Cd of just 0.26, thanks to features such as serrated front wheel arch spoilers, optimized cooling airflow and a Pagoda roof to help airflow over its profile. The car's aero properties were put to the test at the MIRA vehicle test facility in the UK using fluorescent paint in 60mph winds to highlight its flow dynamics, only visible under UV lights.

Design Vettel's helmet, win fabulous prizes

Some helmet schemes are iconic. Jackie Stewart famously emblazoned his Bell helmet with his house tartan. Over on the motorcycle side of things, Valentino Rossi's screaming helmet has become a kitsch icon.