Ducati Single Cylinder Head 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.

BMW, Daimler experiment with upscale rent-by-the-ride

Two European luxury brands are tiptoeing into car sharing, a radical move for carmakers whose business for the past 100 years has been selling to individuals. German archrivals Daimler AG and BMW AG have launched sharing programs. The automakers say the move was prompted by changing attitudes about car ownership, especially among young buyers, and increased urban congestion.

Reality start Kardashian stopped for speeding

KIM KARDASHIAN has been fined for speeding after police spotted the reality star apparently being chased by paparazzi on a Los Angeles freeway, the California Highway Patrol said. Kardashian was pulled over on the 101 Freeway near the Van Nuys Boulevard exit, according to California Highway Patrol spokesman Ming Hsu. An officer also cited a photographer who pulled over to take photos of the traffic stop, for stopping in a non-emergency situation.