Vapor Canister Vent Solenoid Dorman 911-111 on 2040-parts.com

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.

Ecclestone faces £4 million bill

MOTORSPORT boss Bernie Ecclestone must pay lawyers' bills adding up to about £4 million despite winning a High Court fight with a German media company, a judge has ruled. In February, Mr Justice Newey had dismissed a claim for around £80 million in damages by Constantin Medien - which had said it lost out after Mr Ecclestone entered into a "corrupt agreement" with a banker to facilitate the sale of the Formula 1 Group to a buyer chosen by him. But, despite ruling against Constantin after a High Court trial in London, the judge had described 83-year-old Mr Ecclestone as not "reliable or truthful".

Jaguar XKSS Heaven

12 Jaguar XKSS together at Pebble Beach (click for bigger image) Jaguar what, I hear you ask? The Jaguar XKSS is the roadgoing version of the legendary D-Type Jaguar and the precursor to the Jaguar even my mum knows –  the Jaguar E Type (or Jaguar XK-E if you’re on the other side of the Pond). So what’s so special about the Jaguar XKSS, then?