Magnaflow 34015 Universal Fit California Catalytic Converter on 2040-parts.com

Concept Car of the Week: Alfa Romeo BAT 7

This week sees the Concept of the Week title go to Alfa Romeo and Bertone for their collaboration on the Alfa Romeo BAT 7, the second addition to the BAT series that began in 1953 and finished in 1955. First seen at the 1954 Turin motor show, this wildly futuristic ‘dream' car came about after Alfa Romeo contacted Giuseppe "Nuccio" Bertone of the Bertone carrozeria to commission three concepts with the lowest possible drag coefficient. The cars were named BAT for "Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica." Built upon the Alfa Romeo 1900 chassis, the BAT cars featured large rear bumpers and curved fins, and the concepts achieved a drag coefficient of just 0.19 - an impressive result.

2010 Mazda 3: &15,715 base price tag

When the second-generation Mazda 3 hits dealerships in the spring, it will wear a base price of $15,715 (including $670 destination), which represents a $355 increase over its predecessor. Entry-level "i" models remain powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 148 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque. For the premium "s" trims, a new 2.5-liter four borrowed from the Mazda 6 produces 167 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque.

Mercedes sacks U.S. boss Ernst Lieb

Mercedes boss Ernst Lieb let go In a surprising move, Mercedes has upset its apple cart in America by sacking its CEO, Ernst Lieb. It’s hard to work out why Leib has been given the heave-ho, especially considering Mercedes USA is riding high at the moment on the back of strong sales and well-received models in the U.S. Under Lieb’s leadership Mercedes has enjoyed sales up 10.4 per cent for this year, a performance that is outstripping the market as a whole.