Mercruiser Trim Cylinder Alpha Gen 1 Trim Cylinder 98704 on 2040-parts.com

Ford invents agile, low-cost solution for prototyping, customization and limited production [w/video]

A new metal forming technique pioneered by Ford that drastically reduces the time and cost of producing low-volume and one-off body parts may lead to cost-effective customization, redesigns, one-offs and limited production runs. Ford Freeform Fabrication Technology (F3T) forms sheets of metal by two stylus-like tools, one on each side of the surface. Using CAD data they form the part to the exacting strength and finish tolerances usually associated with stamping dies.

Mercedes SL63 AMG, David Coulthard & (blindfolded) illusionist Dynamo (video)

David Coulthard & Dynamo (pictured) in the Mercedes SL 63 AMG If there’s one man who’s made magic and illusions cool again it’s the little man from Bradford – Dynamo. His street illusions are a must watch – and usually completely unfathomable – and he’s often coaxed in a celebrity face or three to perform illusions with as it makes for more marketable TV . That combination is something Mercedes couldn’t resist as a PR vehicle, so they enlisted Dynamo, David Coulthard, a Mercedes SL63 AMG and an abandoned airfield to produce a new Dynamo illusion to promote the SL63 AMG.

Drayson Racing and Michelin compete for EV record

Drayson Racing Technologies and Michelin are joining forces to make a run at the FIA World Electric Land Speed Record on Tuesday with the Drayson B12 69/EV prototype. In addition to a record attempt this will be a real-world test for the car, which will also compete in the 2014 FIA Formula E Championship. The car was originally powered by a 5.5-liter biofuel Judd engine, but it has now been converted to full electric drive.