Autometer Dual Steering Column Pod (black)-03-09 Dodge Ram 15014 on 2040-parts.com

MINI’s Olympic Marketing Masterstroke

BMW has spent £40 million sponsoring the 2012 London Olympics, but it’s a small fleet of remote controlled MINI’s that provide the value. BMW has done all it can to promote its sponsorship of the 2012 London Olympics, and with a spend said to be in the region of £40 million, who can blame them? But it’s not just local shopkeepers and enthusiastic small businesses that are hamstrung by Olympic rules on advertising, the Olympic sponsors are too.

New Ford Mondeo to get new 1.5 litre EcoBoost engine

The new EcoBoost engine will also be turning up in the Ford Fusion for North America, but the UK and Europe are going to have to wait until at least the end of 2014 – when we get the new Mondeo - before the new engine is on offer. The 1.5 litre EcoBoost offers improved economy and emissions compared to the 1.6 litre currently available  - with similar power, performance and torque compared –  but one of the main reasons for offering it is that many countries offer tax breaks for engines under 1.5 litres. The new engine will be built by Ford In Romania initially (although it will get churned out elsewhere too in due course) and offers turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing.

Dubbed for the road

The Crackdown 2 video game doesn't go on sale until July 6, but the sweepstakes to win the “Crackdown Cruiser” has already begun. Based on the 2011 Dub Edition Ford Mustang V6, the customized car features Crackdown 2 graphics and 20-inch wheels fitted with Pirelli Zero Nero tires. Paying homage to gaming, the cruiser also includes two Xbox 360s and an LCD screen in its trunk.