Thunderbird Complete Weather-strip Kit, Convertible, Black Front Header Seal, on 2040-parts.com

Ecclestone wants to bring the noise

FORMULA ONE supremo Bernie Ecclestone has vowed to address growing concerns surrounding the sport's lack of an appealing noise. Following Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Ron Walker, chairman of the organising company that stages the race, complained to close friend Ecclestone about the lack of sound. The piercing scream of the old V8 engine has gone, and in its place we now have a huskier tone, complete with whistles and whirrs from the 1.6-litre V6 turbo as F1 tries to become greener.

Orange alert for Seat's fastest car ever

IF YOU’D like your brand new Seat Leon Cupra 280 a little more orange than the basic colour palette allows, check out this new development from Seat UK. The firm’s British arm has responded immediately to complaints that the fastest Leon ever simply didn’t look crazy enough, thanks largely to its muted choice of colours. Seat UK has reacted with a shockingly orange bodyshell wrap, covering the original finish and protecting it from damage, as well as giving the Leon Cupra’s stunning lines a bit more to shout about.

Senate passes 'cash-for-guzzlers' bill; Obama likely to sign

The U.S. Senate passed a scaled-back $1 billion cash-for-guzzlers bill and sent it to President Barack Obama for his expected signature. The 91-5 vote took place after 5 p.m.