Packard Speedometer Cable Assembly. Item: 4604 on 2040-parts.com

Ford Fiesta saloon (2008): first photos

By Digby Fullam First Official Pictures 19 November 2008 10:21 Ford is keeping true to its word in making the Fiesta a truly global car, taking the wraps off the new Fiesta saloon in China this week. Ford has earmarked China as a key market for the Fiesta saloon – given China’s penchant for three-box bodystyles.  In fact, Ford is so serious about making the Fiesta a success in China that it will be built at a brand new factory in Nanjing. Essentially yes.

Automakers sign up to Apple 'Eyes Free' Siri button

Apple has announced that the leading carmakers have signed up for the addition of an ‘Eyes Free' button that will activate Siri for in-car Apple products. Siri – the innovative voice activation system developed for the 4S, Apple's latest iPhone – can be activated by pressing a steering wheel mounted button and allows the driver to access the same information available when not driving. Apple reported at its 2012 Worldwide Developer's Conference that Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Toyota, Land Rover, Jaguar, Chrysler and Honda have all signed up to offer Eyes Free within the next 12 months.

New Porsche 911 Speedster reportedly in the works

When European-car importer Max Hoffman suggested to Porsche that the American audience might like a cheaper, open-top version of the company's 356, Stuttgart responded with the Speedster. And while every Porsche partisan is a special snowflake -- some love road-going racers like the 904, others can't imagine life without a roof-rack-equipped 912, others go gaga for anything with a legit, lift-off Targa top, and some folks just really, really, really love 924s -- the Speedster's the light, lovable kid brother for which any fan of the marque has a measure of affection. Porsche knows it, and as such, they've introduced limited Speedster models of every 911 series since the 3.2 Carrera -- except for the oft-maligned 996 (which is still loved by its proponents, IMS-bearing issues aside).