Porsche 944 S2 Pressure Plate on 2040-parts.com

Local Motors launches Pacific Northwest competition

Local Motors' 20th design competition, themed 'Thrive in the Elements,' opens for submissions starting today, 17 March. The new American car company is calling for entrants to design a car based around the four core elements: Earth, wind, fire and water; challenging designers to create a vehicle that will 'inspire Pacific Northwesterners to thrive'. The deadline for entries is 30 March 2010.

Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying – Hamilton beaten to pole by Rosberg

Rosberg takes pole in Belgium in the rain Formula One is back from its summer break, but normal service has resumed with Mercedes taking a one-two at Spa in qualifying for the 2014 Belgian Grand Prix, but it’s Nico Rosberg on pole, beating Lewis Hamilton in to second place. The two Mercedes were in a league of their own – two seconds ahead of the best of the rest – as torrential rain made the Spa circuit teachorous. Hamilton’s qualifying was patchy – - and a bit erratic – and he also had problems with glazed discs pulling his car to the left, but Rosberg was consistent – and quick – and deserved his pole.

Toyota will push safety in ad blitz

Its image still bruised by driver complaints about unintended acceleration, Toyota Division has decided to revamp its marketing message and shift the focus to safety in a big way, top executives said last week. Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A.'s sales fell 34 percent in August and are down 1 percent for the year--it's the only major manufacturer with a decline for 2010. Executives admit consumers have doubts about the safety and quality of Toyota vehicles, so they are planning an advertising blitz to counter that perception.