Russian Snow Mobile Buran Headlight on 2040-parts.com

Honda to leave F1

The rumour mill is working overtime on everything cars at the moment. But this story seems to be for real. Honda is set to announce that its Formula 1 Team is to be put up for sale with immediate effect, and if no buyer materialises then it intends pulling out of the new Formula 1 season due to start in March 2009.

Nissan Leaf tours the country

Those who haven't made it to the dealership to test drive a Nissan Leaf can get behind the wheel of the electric car when the carmaker swings through towns across the country on its Drive Electric tour. Started on July 8 in Long Island, the tour is visiting 26 cities from Indianapolis to Austin, Texas. Attendees will learn about driving and owning a Leaf, how the car compares with other vehicles, its fuel efficiency and environmental impact, and how to communicate with the car via phone or computer.

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.