Deatschwerks 850cc Side Feed Injectors on 2040-parts.com

Cost of garage labour falling

THE AVERAGE labour rate at both franchised and non-franchised garages has fallen compared to 2012, according to new figures. An annual survey of 12,000 cases conducted on behalf of Warranty Direct has concluded that the average labour rate in 2013 is £74.70, a fall of 9.84% from £82.86 in 2012. Less encouraging is the overall trend of rising labour rates, with the average having increased by 33% over the last ten years.

V6-only Ford F-150 Limited gets more luxury and utility

The big news for the Limited trim option of the 2013 Ford F-150 is that it will be powered exclusively by the company's EcoBoost V6, making 365 hp while returning a claimed 22 mpg on the highway in two-wheel drive trim. The new F-150 Limited gets 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, body-color front and rear bumpers and standard HID headlights. The Limited comes only in SuperCrew configuration, and only in three colors—red, black and white.

Ford S-Max

Following the 'concept' unveiled at the Frankfurt show a year ago, Ford has now released pictures of the near-identical production version of the second-generation S-Max. The car will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show next month, and goes on sale in early 2015. Although it's designed in Europe for the European market, the S-Max has still received the One Ford global design treatment.