Nos Vacuum V147 1959 Chrysler Desoto Dodge Plymouth K994 on 2040-parts.com

British driver breaks speed record for steam-powered car

One of the world's oldest speed records has gone up in smoke--or rather, steam. Charles Burnett III drove a steam car to an average speed of 139.843 mph over two runs in California to beat the 103-year-old record of Fred Marriott. Burnett peaked at 136.103 mph on the first run, then he accelerated to 151.085 mph on the second run less than an hour later.

Who's Where: Frank Stephenson appointed Director of Design for Alfa Romeo

Frank Stephenson began his new position as Director of Design at Alfa Romeo today, CDN can reveal. Stephenson left his role as Head of the Fiat, Lancia and Commercial Vehicle Styling Center last month and is now effectively filling a role that has been unoccupied since Wolfgang Egger left to become head of Audi's Style Center. Since Lorenzo Ramaciotti has been recently appointed to a newly created position as Cheif of Design at Fiat, Stephenson's previous position is now vacant.

SEAT Ibiza FR TDI announced

The three and five door versions of the SEAT Ibiza FR TDI ‘Sporty’ and Diesel’ were two words that never used to go together. But as diesel engines become more and more compelling car makers are keen to add performance diesel versions to their range. More torque and better fuel consumption are reason enough to run a diesel these days for a daily drive, but when performance figures actually make the diesel fun it’s hard to argue against.