Gates 6722 3/8" X 22" Powerated V-belt on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes signs joint venture to build carbonfibre parts

Not to be outdone by BMW’s joint venture with the SGL Group to manufacturer commercially viable carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the electric Megacity Vehicle, Mercedes has announced a joint venture with Japanese company Toray Industries to manufacturer and market its on CFRP automotive parts. The deal was signed in Germany today, with Toray taking a 50.1% stake, Daimler holding 44.9% and the remaining 5% being taken by other shareholders. The two companies started working together in March 2010, and while Toray has been working on the materials and moulding processes, Merc has designed the automotive parts and the technologies to join the parts together.

Mercedes-Benz prepares CLC Shooting Brake

Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche has given approval for a second Shooting Brake model to accompany the brand's eagerly awaited CLS Shooting Brake due out in 2012, according to German media reports. The new model is expected to go on sale in North America in 2014. It's based on the German carmaker's upcoming CLC--a four-door coupe that uses a new platform that will offer buyers a stylish but practical rival to the likes of the Audi A5 Sportback and the upcoming BMW 3-series GT.

Win a Honda CR-Z hybrid for a BTCC weekend

Did you see the madcap Honda adventure in the July 2010 issue of CAR Magazine? We tried to beat HMS Albion's 30-hour trip ferrying Brits stranded in Spain back to the UK - but writer Mark Walton was only allowed to use Honda equipment. You can read his exploits and see the video here, but now you too can have a Honda adventure of your own.