Sp1 Idler Wheel 6.50" X 20mm Sc-04002 541-5501 128625 on 2040-parts.com

Chrysler races to upgrade its lineup

In a bid to improve its lineup before a fleet of new Fiat-based vehicles arrives in 2012, Chrysler Group is rushing new features and equipment into 15 reworked vehicles. The equipment, such as a Fiat dual-clutch, six-speed transmission and a new Chrysler V6, will boost fuel economy, improve driving dynamics and spiff up drab interiors, all areas in which Chrysler has fared poorly in consumer surveys. All the vehicles will be on sale by the first quarter of next year.

Highway Code braking distances questioned

THE ACCURACY of facts and figures in the Highway Code has been called into question after research by the RAC showed that many drivers underestimate official stopping distances. As part of the organisation's Report on Motoring 2014, drivers were asked to identify the Highway Code's stated stopping distances from different speeds, but the majority “seriously underestimated” the figures. However, a separate survey by Right Driver of 1,000 Advanced Driving Instructors (ADIs) revealed that the vast majority strongly believe that the official braking distances have become irrelevant and should be updated.

Mercedes AMG and Cigarette Racing team up for ultra-performance boat

Two celebrated performance brands--Mercedes AMG and Cigarette Racing--unveiled a custom Cigarette inspired by the SLS AMG (“Better Than the Original?”, AW, Nov. 30, 2009), at the Miami International Boat Show. Though the boat is based on Cigarette's 46' Rider, Cigarette says a clean-sheet approach was used to build the all-new boat.