Quickcar Racing Products 51-054 Clipboard Timing System on 2040-parts.com

Mechanics qualifications gained using Haynes manuals

MOST MEN enjoy a good Haynes car manual, whether they really understand it or not, but a group of youngsters has used the workshop guides to achieve their first qualifications in car mechanics. The first wave of the Haynes Mechanix scheme has seen a mixed gender youth club group, aged 15-25 and from Islington in London, use Haynes manuals along with guidance from experienced mentors to fix real problems on a real car. The donor Volkswagen, known as Percy the Polo, was a theoretical MOT fail and needed replacement spark plugs, a brake fluid replacement and much more, to give the aspiring tinkerers a broad spectrum of challenges.

Ford's maximum C for Frankfurt Auto Show

Ford will introduce the redesigned C-Max, which uses the automaker's first global C-segment platform, at the upcoming Frankfurt auto show. The C-Max will be launched worldwide in the second half of 2010, with other models to follow on the platform, including the next-generation Focus, also coming in 2010. The C-Max takes its "kinetic" design cues from the iosis MAX concept car unveiled at this year's Geneva auto show, incorporating features such as a coupelike sweeping roofline.

Chrysler may use Fiat engine system in some U.S. models

The Chrysler Group may incorporate Fiat's new MultiAir fuel-saving technology in some gasoline engines, Fiat sources say. Fiat S.p.A. considers the variable valve timing system a breakthrough.