Corvette Nose Mask, Covercraft, 1975-1979 on 2040-parts.com

How South America designed the Ford Ka

The Ka Concept was shown at the São Paulo auto show in Brazil in November 2013, and was revealed in production form last week. It marks the first time the Ka has reflected the broader brand homogeneity of the 'One Ford' design strategy, and continues the Ka's shift in direction from the distinctive original.The new car is the work of Ford's South American design studio in Camaçari, Brazil - its second 'One Ford' car, following the EcoSport. But while the crossover enters a new segment, the 17-year history of the Ka nameplate in Brazil gives an insight into how the demands of the local market have taken precedence over design iconicity.

Jenson Button takes pole for McLaren at Spa

Jenson Button has driven his McLaren to a convincing pole position for tomorrow’s F1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. Believe it or not, Jenson Button hasn’t had a pole position for McLaren. Or at least he hadn’t until today when he crushed the competition to take pole in tomorrow’s Spa Grand Prix.

UK car tax rises 'won't work'

By Tim Pollard Motoring Issues 29 May 2008 10:56 The UK Government's proposed tax rises won't deter drivers from picking a high-CO2 car, new research by CAR reveals. We surveyed more than 1000 motorists and asked if the new charges – quadrupling the annual tax bill for some cars – would put them off so-called gas guzzlers. Surprisingly, 76 percent of drivers said it wouldn't deter them one jot.