Leaf Spring Bushing on 2040-parts.com

Mini debuts four new design lines for 2014 Cooper

Mini Coopers really come to life when finished in the marque's signature appearance packages, such as Union Jack roofs and checkered flag mirror caps, and for the third-generation three-door hardtops debuting this spring the automaker is debuting some new designs. Minis have always been about personalization, and since the brand's relaunch under BMW's roof owners seemed to appreciate the cheeky designs that included roof graphics, grille-mounted headlights, racing stripes for the hood, and mirror caps. All those features are coming back for the new 2014 three-door Hardtops, and along with them the company is introducing a lineup of four Mini Characters, called Vivid Green, Speedwell Blue, John Cooper Works Pro, and Essential Black.

2011 Michelin Challenge Bibendum

This year marked the 11th running of the Michelin Challenge Bibendum. For those not familiar with the concept, the Bibendum aims to tackle the prolific issues facing the modern motorist, namely CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Billed as a forum, the five-day event aims to bring together a variety of sources, manufacturers and suppliers to debate on future mobility.

AC Cobra Mk VI to show at Monaco

AC is due to show the AC Cobra MK VI at the Top Marques Show in Monaco Despite being a UK car maker, AC is to build the new Cobra MK VI in Germany, at Gullwing GmbH, which gives a clue to the car’s unique feature – a removable hard top with gullwing doors. The AC Cobra has a long history, and is one of the most sought after replica cars on the market (which is hardly surprising considering the cost of an original Cobra), and is said to be single handedly responsible for the UK’s national 70mph speed limit, which was brought in after some extremely high-speed incidents on the new M1, where AC was testing its cars. Why bother with a test track when you have 100 miles of fresh, straight tarmac courtesy of H.M.