Itm Engine Components 09-59113 Intake Manifold Gasket on 2040-parts.com

End of the road for Mercury

Mercury has stood for hot-rodding, performance, style and even feminine appeal during various points in its 72-year history. But ultimately, the failure to stand alone in the Ford Motor Co.'s family of brands spelled its demise. Mercury, a brand founded by company scion Edsel Ford, will be shuttered as Ford concentrates its efforts on the core Ford brand and luxury-level Lincolns.

SPD offers scholarships for autumn program with Volkswagen Group

The Scuola Politecnica di Design is giving away eight scholarships for its autumn program in collaboration with the Volkswagen Group. The scholarships are aimed at students with degrees in transportation or car design, automotive engineering or equivalent degrees that show a high level of potential. The successful eight students will be given scholarships and will begin their studies at the Milan-based SPD on October 24. The awarding of the scholarships will be decided by a ‘motivational interview', an evaluation of the student's portfolio and the submission of a conceptual project assignment, with the election process being conducted jointly by the SPD and Volkswagen.

McLaren F1 designer signs on with Florida start-up

A small Florida company with hopes of making green performance cars has landed a big name. Rivian Automotive said this week that it has signed on Peter Stevens--the designer of the McLaren F1--as its director of design. It hopes to bring its first car to market in 2013 and launch more in 2014.