Mazda outlines weight-loss program

Mazda Motor Corp. will reduce its vehicle weights by at least 220 pounds beginning in 2011, with a combination of lighter-weight materials, smaller vehicle footprints and new engineering processes, a top executive says. The typical Mazda vehicle has gained 80 pounds with each successive redesign, “mostly in larger tires and wheels, and safety equipment,” said Robert Davis, senior vice president of product development and quality for Mazda North American Operations.

Susie Wolff ready to make F1 history

SUSIE WOLFF is ready to make Formula One history on Friday, although is eager to play down its apparent significance. It has been 22 years since a woman took part in a grand prix weekend, with Italian Giovanna Amati failing to qualify in the opening three races of the 1992 campaign in a woeful Brabham before being replaced by a promising young Briton at the time - Damon Hill. On Friday, in her role as Williams development driver, 31-year-old Wolff will compete in Friday's first practice session for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, taking over the wheel from Valtteri Bottas.

Sprightly Centenarians, MG TA Midget Concours-Winner Go Under The Hammer

TWO De Dion Boutons with a combined age of 210 are the oldest entrants in the Barons’ sale at Sandown Park on June 24th. The first of the venerable veterans dates from 1906. It can comfortably accommodate four adults and, while just a year too young to take part in the London to Brighton run, it has taken part in many road runs.