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

VW Race Touareg 3 (2011) first pictures

You might usually associate the Volkswagen Touareg with school-run mums whose furthest foray off-road is up the kerb and onto a wet field – this is something different, this is the new VW Race Touareg 3. That there is, and it’s the Race Touareg 2 that’s taken the chequered flag at the last two Dakar rallies, becoming the first diesel-powered winner in 2009. And after 2010’s 1-2-3 finish, the VW board decided it was onto a good thing and commissioned Volkswagen Motorsport to update its Touareg racer for the January 2011 race.

Ford eyes dandelions as sustainable alternative to synthetic rubber

Ford, in conjunction with Ohio State University, is turning to the humble garden weed as sustainable resource, researching the dandelion's potential use as an alternative to synthetic rubber. While the automaker already makes considerable use of sustainable materials in its vehicles – such as soy foam seat cushions and straw-filled plastic for interior trim – this latest discovery opens up a wealth of new possibilities for automotive applications. According to research conducted by Ford, a milky-white substance that is found in certain dandelion roots can produce a sustainable rubber that could be used to create plastic parts for vehicle interiors.

BMW's Domagoj Dukec on the 4 Series Convertible [w/Video]

BMW's head of exterior design Domagoj Dukec has explained how the 4 Series Convertible's design sets it apart from the 3 Series in a new video. Dukec says that aside from the fact the 4 Series Convertible is visibly wider than its predecessor with an increased track and wheelbase, its design is unique. While describing the changes to features such as the kidney grille, headlamps and the lines running down the hood, Dukec also compares it to the coupé.