New techniques cut cost of carbon fiber

Carbon fiber, once so costly that it was the preferred material only for fighter planes and supercars, is catching the attention of weight-conscious automakers. Carbon fiber's cost is falling dramatically, thanks to production advances that let suppliers speed the material's finicky, and costly, curing process. One technological breakthrough that makes carbon-fiber auto parts more affordable may come from a process used to make carbon-fiber golf clubs.

Honda Civic Ti (2012) first official pictures

Honda has glued a few glitzy bits to the latest Civic in recognition of its British Touring Car Championship participation, to create the new Civic Ti. The 5-door ‘race-inspired’ Civic is based on the 1.8 SE model, but comes with colour-coded wheel arches and some 17-inch ‘Le Mans’ alloy wheels. If that’s not enough to send you running down to the dealership, then Honda hopes the addition of a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearstick might.

Ford Focus RS 500 revealed

The limited edition, matt black Ford Focus RS 500 According to Ford’s micro-site for the Focus RS 500 the reveal of the limited edition Focus RS will happen on Wednesday. But we’ve managed to jump the gun a little and bring you the Focus RS 500 in all its matt black goodness a day or two early. We’re sure you won’t object.