Standard Motor Products Pc300 Crank Position Sensor on 2040-parts.com

Ford opens proving grounds to the public

For the first time ever, Ford is opening its Dearborn, Mich., proving grounds to the public on Oct. 15. Ticketholders to the Get Your Heart Racing event can take hot-lap ride-alongs around the test track with professional drivers Tanner Foust and Parnelli Jones.

Toyota Auris Hybrid – Frankfurt debut

The Toyota Auris Hybrid will be at Frankfurt Toyota are calling this the first application of their Hybrid Synergy Drive in a mainstream model. Which makes us wonder if Toyota don’t consider the Prius a mainstream model. They’re also calling this a concept, but we know that Toyota will be producing the Auris Hybrid in the UK next year, so take this as a pretty much production-ready car.

Mercedes introduces illuminated three-pointed star [w/video]

Illuminated badges and emblems on cars aren't a new idea – those old enough to remember will recall the warm glow of the old Wolseley grille emblems – but in recent history they have been the reserve of concept cars and the aftermarket. Mercedes is set to restart the trend however as it begins to offer an LED-illuminated star as a dealer-fit option on the E–, GL–, M– and CLS–Class. We've started to see lighting spill out onto the exterior of concept cars for a while and this move is sure to have other OEMs and aftermarket firms alike following Mercedes' lead.