Vintage Sno-jet Sst Astro Kawasaki Intriguer Inviter Exhaust Muffler Pipe on 2040-parts.com

General Motors and Ford load up on small cars for bigger profits

Ford has no qualms about charging nearly $23,000 for a fully loaded 2011 Fiesta, which is smaller than the Focus. The Fiesta sedan, which goes on sale this summer, starts at $13,995, including shipping. The Fiesta, with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission, gets 40 mpg on the highway.

Ford tests electric-vehicle sounds on Facebook

Sure, if it were up to us, every car would sound like a Lamborghini Aventador or a McLaren Formula One race car. And while those specific options aren't available (yet),Ford is using its Facebook page to let fans vote on sounds to be made by the electric Focus. Since EVs are so quiet, Ford needs to give the Focus electric some sound for safety's sake--to draw the attention of people who are blind people, those using cell phones or iPods and even for animals.

Michelin Challenge Design 2007: How designers handle being 'doored' and other safety issues

Ever been 'doored'? Even know what it is?  You do if you're a bicycle, motorcycle or even skateboard rider who has been passing a parked car, truck or SUV at the precise moment one of the vehicle's doors is being opened directly in your path. At its worst, it can be fatal.