1995 Gamefisher Tiller Handle & Throttle Controls on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes S Class Coupe & GLA SUV Spy photos – from Mercedes

The new Mercedes S-Class Coupe & GLA Compact SUV have been testing in Death Valley With the petrolhead world getting used to seeing spy photos of new cars to come on a daily basis, car makers are getting in on the act with their own photos of suitably camouflaged new models. Mercedes already has a history of releasing spy photos of upcoming models, and we’ve recently had photos from Mercedes of the ‘baby’ SLS – the new Mercedes SLC – as well as previous spy shots of the SLS and SLK before they were launched. Now we have the head of Mercedes-Benz in the US, Steve Cannon, taking to Twitter to show the world what they’re busy hot weather testing in Death Valley.

Ford shuffles European production

Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday it is realigning its European production in a move that will add two models at the carmaker's Valencia, Spain, factory and an electric version of the Focus at the Saarlouis, Germany, plant. Ford also said the B-Max small wagon will be built in its Craiova, Romania, factory and the plant will add a second, as-yet-unnamed small-segment model.

New Ford Mondeo to get new 1.5 litre EcoBoost engine

The new EcoBoost engine will also be turning up in the Ford Fusion for North America, but the UK and Europe are going to have to wait until at least the end of 2014 – when we get the new Mondeo - before the new engine is on offer. The 1.5 litre EcoBoost offers improved economy and emissions compared to the 1.6 litre currently available  - with similar power, performance and torque compared –  but one of the main reasons for offering it is that many countries offer tax breaks for engines under 1.5 litres. The new engine will be built by Ford In Romania initially (although it will get churned out elsewhere too in due course) and offers turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing.