Moog K14 Idler Arm on 2040-parts.com

Lancia lifts lid on new Delta

By Phil McNamara Motor Industry 05 September 2006 11:49 Lancia today unveils the Delta HPE concept, a sleek wagon claimed to mix luxury, practicality and performance. The new Delta will slot into the Lancia range next year and relaunch the brand in the UK, providing a mid-range model that's not far off a BMW 3-series in size. The HPE concept reveals the new face of the Delta family, with a deep, chrome radiator grille and claw-shaped headlamps.

New techniques cut cost of carbon fiber

Carbon fiber, once so costly that it was the preferred material only for fighter planes and supercars, is catching the attention of weight-conscious automakers. Carbon fiber's cost is falling dramatically, thanks to production advances that let suppliers speed the material's finicky, and costly, curing process. One technological breakthrough that makes carbon-fiber auto parts more affordable may come from a process used to make carbon-fiber golf clubs.

Nissan Mixim concept

The Nissan Mixim concept car is a compact vehicle for young drivers who are mostly engaged by their computer and the world via the internet -  and it's a new step toward the Japanese company becoming greener. The design incorporates styling features not often seen in electric vehicles, including gullwing doors in a svelte coupe shape. Its wraparound windscreen, inspired by the visor of a crash helmet, dominates the profile while the swept back windscreen, flowing roofline and sharply truncated rear hints at sporting performance.