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

Mercedes try to 'bring the noise' back to F1

MERCEDES trialled a device aimed at amplifying and improving the much-maligned sound made by the 2014 marque Formula One cars on the second day of testing in Barcelona. With new V6 engines forming part of an overhaul in F1 regulations, widespread criticism of the dulcet tones has continued from the opening race of the season in Australia. With F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone amongst those to question the enjoyment of listening to the new engines, the teams decided to look into ways of making it a more pleasurable experience.

Ford Evos concept

Ford's new Evos concept will make its global debut at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show, showcasing the manufacturer's new One Ford design direction as well as exploring future powertrain and vehicle technologies. The four-door, four-seat fastback concept with a lithium-ion plug-in hybrid powertrain, is designed to engage the driver as much as possible through the use of infotainment and wireless technology. Although the car will never be seen on the roads, Ford has claimed that it contains many of the features that will be in use within future Ford production models.

Rhonda Renaissance Part 2: Paint vs. vinyl

We dispensed with the basics in Part 1 on Monday: There's a 1963 Pontiac StarChief in the parking garage of Autoweek HQ. It needs of a new coat of something for the summer, so let's explore some of the options confronting today's refinish customers, where candy paint is no longer the only game in town. Let's start with vinyl wraps: We've seen them, felt them and picked at them at shows and in shops.