Mercedes Comand Navigation Disc 1 on 2040-parts.com

British team aim for electric world record

A BRITISH team headed by Lord Drayson is seeking to set a new World Land Speed Record with its electric racing car. The Drayson B12 electric Le Mans racing car is heading to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA in a bid to raise the current record for electric cars weighing less than 1000kg. Recently, the team set a new British record of 204.185mph with the same car.

McLaren 50 12C & 12C Spider celebrate McLaren’s 50th anniversary

McLaren say they will be building a maximum of 50 each of the 50 12C Coupe and 12C Spider to mark the occasion, both of which get special features provided by McLaren Special Operations – the same McLaren division that created the 12C High Sport. That means a new front bumper which has been optimised by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for more downforce, extra carbon fibre and kevlar exterior bits, ceramic brakes, 19″ front and 20″ rear alloys, full leather, extra carbon fibre in the cabin, a heritage badge and a numbered plaque. There will be the option of three colours for the 50th anniversary 12Cs - Carbon Black, Supernova Silver and, of course, McLaren Orange – and each car will get its own silver car cover, a limited edition key in a carbon fibre box and a signed art print (sadly, there’s no sign of a tool chest or Tag Heuer watch).

GM delays innovative new diesel truck engine

General Motors' deteriorating financial situation has caused the company to delay one of the most advanced engines that it has ever designed, a 4.5-liter diesel for light-duty trucks. "We have to make tough decisions right now," GM Powertrain spokeswoman Susan Garavaglia said. Truck enthusiasts were eagerly awaiting the engine, which would have started production next fall at GM's plant in Tonawanda, N.Y.