2000 Ford Taurus Speedometer Trim Dash Bezel 2592374 on 2040-parts.com

McLaren 650S Spider (2014) first official pictures

By Ollie Kew First Official Pictures 04 March 2014 12:00 This is the convertible version of the McLaren 650S: the 650S Spider. Given how closely the 650S coupe is based upon the 12C, it’s no surprise to see the 650S Spider looking very much like a 12C: same folding hard-top roof, same 40kg weight penalty, same boasts by McLaren that the carbon tub needs no extra reinforcing for its role in a cabriolet. Though the 650S Spider is 40kg heavier than the hard-top and has some of its P1-echoing aerodynamic talent spoiled by chopping the top off, it’s still a very fast piece of kit.

Saab gets a ray of hope from China

Victor Muller sees a glimpse of sunshine from China The saga that is the long and painful demise of Saab seemed to reach its nadir last week when courts in Sweden refused to offer the beleaguered car maker sanctuary in its protection. We thought that would be the end for Saab – despite a never-say-die appeal of the decision by Victor Muller, due to be heard tomorrow – with nowhere left to hide from trade supplier debts of €150 million, and the wrath of Sweden’s unions ready to file for Saab’s bankruptcy over unpaid wages for Saab employees. The nadir for Saab should reasonably be followed by its rapid consignment to the annuls of motoring history, but a tiny glimmer of hope has risen from Saab’s putative investors in China.

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.