Suzuki Stainless Steel Propeller 3x16x21.5r on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes-Benz to cut production time, halve number of vehicle architectures

Mercedes-Benz is restructuring its global production network to cut the average production time for its models to 30 hours by 2015 from 43 in 2008. "We have increased productivity by 2 percent a year over the last few years. We will be accelerating our productivity efforts," Mercedes production boss Wolfgang Bernhard said during an investor conference that was part of the automaker's plant opening in Kecskemet, Hungary, on Thursday.

Four new electric speed records for the UK

Lord Paul Drayson has set a new World Electric Land Speed record for sub-999kg electric vehicles with an average speed of 205.139mph over the flying mile. This represents a modest 1mph increase over the previous record – which Drayson set last year in the same Drayson Racing Technologies all-electric prototype. But the ‘Lord of Speed’ (as we’ve just dubbed him) also broke four other records in the process.

Suzuki adds a hot hatch to SX4 lineup

Suzuki will embrace the hot-hatch craze by adding a more street-worthy version of its SX4 compact car. Also, the entire SX4 lineup will get a more powerful engine and upgraded transmissions. The basics: The key to boosting the street image of the SX4 SportBack will be increased power from the redesigned 2.0-liter engine--up 7 hp to 150 hp.