Ca1576 Pressure Plate Dodge on 2040-parts.com

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.

Subaru Impreza WRX STi Type UK

By Ben Pulman Motor Shows 05 December 2007 10:30 Come on, I’ve seen the new Impreza before… You have, but not this one. Subaru chose the Bologna Motor Show for the debut of the UK-spec WRX STi, which unlike the 2.0-litre Japanese model we’ve driven, uses a 2.5-litre engine. It’s still a flat-four ‘boxer’, but emission regulations, and some premium pride, mean the larger capacity engine continues in the UK.

F1 star Vettel to help develop 560hp Infiniti

NISSAN’S premium car division, Infiniti, is pressing ahead with the development of a high performance version of its Q50 executive saloon. What’s significant about the news is that Formula 1 racer, and Infiniti’s Director of Performance, Sebastian Vettel has added his input to the programme. The four-time Formula 1 world champion recently tested the 560hp high performance sports saloon at the Millbrook Proving Ground testing facility.