Spark Plug Wire Set Ngk 54248 on 2040-parts.com

Ford eyes dandelions as sustainable alternative to synthetic rubber

Ford, in conjunction with Ohio State University, is turning to the humble garden weed as sustainable resource, researching the dandelion's potential use as an alternative to synthetic rubber. While the automaker already makes considerable use of sustainable materials in its vehicles – such as soy foam seat cushions and straw-filled plastic for interior trim – this latest discovery opens up a wealth of new possibilities for automotive applications. According to research conducted by Ford, a milky-white substance that is found in certain dandelion roots can produce a sustainable rubber that could be used to create plastic parts for vehicle interiors.

Lamborghini LP700-4 (2011): the rolling chassis

Lamborghini continues the long drip-feed on the new V12 supercar replacement for the Murcielago with this first picture of the carbonfibre rolling chassis. In this week's edition of motor show teaser photography, Lamborghini has started with a naked LP700-4 chassis, prior to next week's reveal of the fully clothed new V12 supercar.  You can clearly see the new pushrod suspension, the carbonfibre chassis, subframes snd the suitably enormous wheel and tyre package.    None at this point. CAR's Gavin Green has driven one of the prototypes (see the January 2011 edition) but it will be at next week's 2011 Geneva motor show where the world gets its first clear look at the new Lamborghini.

New Volkswagen Golf GTi at Geneva Motor Show 2013

Volkswagen will unveil the production version of its MK7 Golf GTi at next week’s Geneva Motor Show, marking more than 30 years of the venerable hot hatch. This isn't the first time we've seen this car: back in September, Volkswagen showed a concept version of the GTi at the Paris Motor Show. Concept it might have been but a visit to Spec Savers is required before trying to spot the changes between that car and this production version.