Engine Harmonic Balancer Dorman 594-478 on 2040-parts.com

Hackmobile Transit Connect wins Ford and MAKE magazine grand prize

Automakers have customization contests all the time, but that doesn’t always mean they’ll produce what the enthusiasts create. Splitting from tradition, Ford said it will build the Hackmobile Transit Connect Wagon that won its Ultimate Maker Vehicle Challenge. The Hackmobile was designed by Jon Atkinson, Becca Steffen, Riley Harrison and Michael Freiert, members of Twin Cities Maker.

Stillen contest calls for production SEMA Scion FR-S bodykit designs

Tuning company Stillen has launched a competition to design a bodykit for the Scion FR-S to be put into production. As well as having their design made, the winner also win entry to the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show and be put up during the show for two days in Las Vegas, where the car will be displayed The contest calls for designers to submit renders of a lip/body kit consisting of a front lip spoiler, side rockers and rear valances by downloading the design templates from the contest website and submitting their own designs by email along with name and contact information. The Stillen design team will choose the top five designs three days after the submission deadline and upload them to its Facebook page, with the winner chosen by the public on Facebook after two weeks of voting.

Nissan Versa hatchback previewed by Japan-market Note

The Nissan Versa hatchback will be redesigned, with styling similar to that of the new Note subcompact that the automaker revealed in Japan on Monday. Nissan said the Note will go on sale in Japan this fall and in Europe in 2013. The carmaker did not say when the Versa hatchback will go on sale, but the car is expected to reach showrooms early in 2013.