Eibach Spring 12" Length X 3" Id X 400lbs/in on 2040-parts.com

Auto-safety history gets its place in the Smithsonian

Smithsonian museum officials say their new collection of auto-safety objects dating to the 1930s is about America's love affair with its cars. But really it's about our passion for, well, staying alive. While some enthusiasts might question whether their cars should be braking for them, it's hard to quarrel with most of this technology.

Mercedes SLS AMG: David Coulthard drives the Isle of Man +video

The Mercedes SLS AMG attacks the Isle of Man in the capable hands of DC UK readers and those outside the UK who play silly games to get their hands on the world’s second favourite motoring show – Fifth Gear – may well have seen Tiff Needell pop off to the Isle of Man to borrow a Mercedes SLS AMG David Coulthard was playing with. What David was doing in the Manx Mountains was driving the SLS AMG as fast as he could on the Isle of Man’s unrestricted roads (which were also shut for his convenience) to produce what the film makers are calling ‘The Fastest 3D film ever shot on Land”. The short film – ‘Manx Meister’ – has DC blatting across the top of the IOM at speeds in excess of 160mph.

Honda Civic's frugal 2013 DTEC diesel: more info

Honda will equip its current Civic hatch with a 1.6-litre diesel engine from early in 2013. The engine is, Honda claims, the cleanest, most frugal engine in its class, and will offer diesel Civic buyers up to 78.5mpg, according to the company's figures. The downsized 1.6 derv will also see duty in the new CR-V soft-roader later on in 2013.