Wd Express 537 23027 001 New Master Cylinder on 2040-parts.com

Rearview cameras may become mandatory

Rearview cameras may become a mandatory feature in all passenger cars by 2014 if US Congress approves a rule submitted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Auto safety regulators have taken the decision to submit a final rule to Congress after figures emerged from non-profit group KidsandCars.org that stated that two children die and about 50 are injured every week when someone accidentally backs over them in a vehicle. In one quite shocking public-service announcement KidsAndCars.org showed that 62 children could fit behind a large SUV without being visible to the driver in any of the mirrors.

Ford eyes dandelions as sustainable alternative to synthetic rubber

Ford, in conjunction with Ohio State University, is turning to the humble garden weed as sustainable resource, researching the dandelion's potential use as an alternative to synthetic rubber. While the automaker already makes considerable use of sustainable materials in its vehicles – such as soy foam seat cushions and straw-filled plastic for interior trim – this latest discovery opens up a wealth of new possibilities for automotive applications. According to research conducted by Ford, a milky-white substance that is found in certain dandelion roots can produce a sustainable rubber that could be used to create plastic parts for vehicle interiors.

Aston Martin Rapide Bertone (2013) first pictures

Bertone is celebrating 60 years of collaboration with Aston Martin with this one-off Rapide shooting brake. The Rapide Bertone keeps the regular Rapide's 2+2 seating configuration, but offers rear passengers more headroom and a taller boot. It's been comissioned by a wealthy Aston Martin collector, who helped design the final look of the car as well as the choice of paint and upholstery colours.