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

Ford tests electric-vehicle sounds on Facebook

Sure, if it were up to us, every car would sound like a Lamborghini Aventador or a McLaren Formula One race car. And while those specific options aren't available (yet),Ford is using its Facebook page to let fans vote on sounds to be made by the electric Focus. Since EVs are so quiet, Ford needs to give the Focus electric some sound for safety's sake--to draw the attention of people who are blind people, those using cell phones or iPods and even for animals.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL previewed by leaked brochure

Here's the image that has the Web abuzz today--an apparent brochure scan of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL distributed by a European automotive site. Design cues reminiscent of the SLS AMG are unmistakable, and the new SL also takes on a fairly prominent iteration of the corporate front fascia. Underneath, Mercedes is promising a new aluminum architecture that will save weight while boosting rigidity.

Ford Model T climbs Ben Nevis: Ford Heritage Images

Ford Model T climbs Ben Nevis in 1911 (click for full size image) When the good Mr Clarkson decided Top Gear should do a piece about a Land Rover Discovery using its incredible off-road abilities to climb a mountain in Scotland we were all astonished that – despite a couple of hiccups on the way – he managed to get one of Land Rover’s finest up a mountain where cars were never designed to go. What’s even more astonishing is that Ford managed to do the same 100 years go, but they used a standard Model T and choose Britain’s tallest mountain – Ben Nevis – for the stunt. The 20 horsepower Model T was driven up Ben Nevis as a publicity stunt for Ford’s agent in Edinburgh.