Hughes Performance 24-20 Torque Converter on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes-Benz to drop the R-class in the U.S.

Mercedes-Benz will drop the slow-selling R-class wagon from its U.S. lineup after the 2012 model year. But the German automaker will continue to build the R-class at its plant in Alabama for export to other markets.

Spy Shots: Chevy SS caught testing, rendered

Way back in June, Autoweek published a speculative rendering of the forthcoming Chevrolet SS. The Zeta-platform, rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered follow-up to the late Pontiac G8 was recently spotted testing by the spy photographers at Chris Doane Automotive. Doane was so inspired by General Motors' nascent performance sedan that he commissioned his own Chevy SS rendering.

Baby born after 100mph police chase

A GROUP OF POLICE OFFICERS who pulled over a speeding car ended up facing a newborn baby instead of a criminal as a heroic grandfather delivered his granddaughter at the side of the road. Lola Mia Rose was born just as seven officers in four unmarked cars, who had chased her grandfather Colin Ellmore at speeds of 100pmh along the M275 in Portsmouth, surrounded the car. Her mother Tiffany, who has three other children, described the experience as "quite scary" and said she was "very proud" of her dad for delivering baby Lola.