Dicor Shfm16 16" Jp Series Wheel Cover on 2040-parts.com

New techniques cut cost of carbon fiber

Carbon fiber, once so costly that it was the preferred material only for fighter planes and supercars, is catching the attention of weight-conscious automakers. Carbon fiber's cost is falling dramatically, thanks to production advances that let suppliers speed the material's finicky, and costly, curing process. One technological breakthrough that makes carbon-fiber auto parts more affordable may come from a process used to make carbon-fiber golf clubs.

2013 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder revealed

The 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder has been revealed, joining the 2013 Gallardo Coupe as the last facelift for the Gallardo range. Now we get the 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder – the open air Gallardo – with much the same minor tweaks to keep the Gallardo range fresh until we get its replacement. That means a bit of fiddling at the front and back for some sharper lines and a bigger outlet at the back to improve cooling for the Gallardo’s V10, which offers 560bhp and 0-62mph in 4 seconds, and the Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder gets a new set of polished alloys.

Hertz to rent EVs in San Francisco

Car-rental company Hertz has added electric vehicles to its fleet in San Francisco, available to members of the Hertz On Demand program. Renters can choose from the Nissan Leaf, the Smart EV or the Mitsubishi "i". Rentals include an in-car connection to the 24-hour member care center, where drivers can get information on charging stations, alternate drop-off points or roadside assistance.