1950, 1951 Mercury Speedometer on 2040-parts.com

Audi to buy Ducati – the four rings expands from four wheels

Audi has struck an exclusive deal giving it first rights to buy Italian superbike manufacturer Ducati, CAR can reveal.The exclusivity deal gives Audi until mid April when the deal will likely be finalised, according to high-ranking sources contacted by CAR. Ducati's liabilities are around €200 million [earlier report said €800 million, this has been corrected], and our sources suggest the total purchase price is about €250m-€300m. This is a bold move by Audi, which sees the long-term advantage in moving into two wheels as well as four.

BMW: Carbon fiber goes high volume in 2013

BMW AG plans to begin high-volume production of carbon fiber parts in two years, making it a strong contender to be the first automaker to move beyond limited-edition use of the exotic material. But Daimler AG, which has taken steps aimed at making carbon fiber parts in 2012, is among the automakers racing toward the same goal. In 2013, BMW will start building the i3 electric car, a vehicle that features a passenger cell--the protective shell around the passenger compartment that ensures the integrity of the vehicle in a crash--made of plastic reinforced with carbon fiber.

Subaru Impreza WRX & Impreza WRX STI – more for your money

Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI get free Prodrive Performance Pack If, despite the state of the economy, you’re looking for a set of Playstation driving thrills in a real world car a Subaru Impreza is a good shout. The bog standard Impreza is not the quickest – or best looking – car on the block, but the WRX has a decent turn of speed. And the WRX STI gets things moving even better.