Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

MIT develops self-transforming materials that behave 'like robots without robots'

A cross-disciplinary research lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a suite of programmable materials, including carbon fiber, printed wood grain, textile composites, rubbers and plastics, that self-transform when exposed to an external stimulus. Director of the Self-Assembly Lab, Skylar Tibbits, presented a TED talk on 4D printing in 2013, where he demonstrated how a flat sheet of material could effectively build itself when exposed to water, like a robot without a robot. Following positive feedback from industries including aviation, automotive and manufacturing, his lab has been working on developing materials that change according to different activation sources, including heat, light, and air pressure, in addition to water – all of which have automotive relevance.

McLaren 625C Coupe & Spider. So THAT’s what it is

The McLaren 625C Coupe & Spider arrive for Asian buyers Early last month we reported that there was a McLaren 625C on the way, even if it made no sense. It made no sense because we couldn’t see how it would fit in the McLaren model range, so close was it in power and specification to the 12C’s replacement – the McLaren 650S – to maker commercial sense. But all has been revealed.

Bentley Branches Out Into Home Furnishings

NOT content with wheeling out an ever improving line of super-luxury cars, Crewe-based Bentley has chosen to add luxury furniture to its sales catalogue. Designed to furnish luxury homes, company bosses are keen to stress that the collections combine Bentley’s inherent qualities of craftsmanship, heritage and tradition, exclusivity and style, with the exacting design of a leading European furniture maker. Buyers of the furniture can expect the same attention to detail and exacting high standards as those with the means to purchase one of Bentley’s cars.