Four Seasons 54727 New Evaporator 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.

Jaguar XKR unveiled at Detroit auto show 2009

By Tim Pollard Motor Shows 12 January 2009 22:46 Jaguar has had a busy Detroit, unveiling not just the new XFR super-saloon and its one-off, tricked-up 225mph salt-flats saloon special, but also the revised XK range.Echoing the changes to the XF range (and in the coming months, most of the Jaguar Land Rover range), the 4.2-litre petrol V8 has been upgraded to the new 5.0 V8. Jag calls it the third-gen AJV8, reflecting its growth through the years from its 4.0-litre origins. The latest engine benefits from direct injection for more precise control over the combustion process.The end result?

Citroen Cactus concept (2013) first pictures of Frankfurt crossover

Citroen is planning a new crossover model that’ll launch in early 2014. The Citroen C4 Cactus joins the Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage in battling the all-conquering Nissan Qashqai soft-roader. The Cactus Concept is the dressed up preview of the production model, which goes on sale in early 2014.