Bendix Premium Brake Master Cyclinder E13588019 on 2040-parts.com

Maybach reaches end of the line

Daimler AG is set to announce the closure of its Maybach ultra luxury brand this weekend, according to reports. The underperforming 57 and 62 limousines are to be killed off in 2013, following a decision from chairman Dieter Zetsche who has elected not to invest in their respective replacements for 2014. Following a concept car preview at the 1997 Tokyo motor show, Maybach was resurrected in 2002 after Daimler AG failed to purchase either Rolls-Royce or Bentley from then owners, Vickers.

Germany to tax foreign drivers

GERMANY plans to introduce a car toll that seeks to make money from the millions of foreigners who drive through the country every year, the transport minister said today. Germany has a truck toll but, unlike many European countries, no car toll. Alexander Dobrindt said it wasn't fair that foreign drivers do not contribute to maintaining the roads and that "fairness gap" should be closed.

Ford Racing offers B-Spec kit for the Fiesta

While a B-Spec Ford Fiesta might seem like unsalted mashed potatoes compared with Ken Block's Hybrid-Function Hoon Vehicle variant, the basic car is plenty of fun when equipped with a manual transmission and shod with some good summer rubber. As such, Ford Racing is offering a kit to convert a showroom-fresh Fiesta hatch into an affordable racer eligible for SCCA, Grand-Am and World Challenge B-spec competition. The main mod involved is a coil-over suspension kit.