Suzuki Wagon R 1998 Radiator [0102040] on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes signs joint venture to build carbonfibre parts

Not to be outdone by BMW’s joint venture with the SGL Group to manufacturer commercially viable carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the electric Megacity Vehicle, Mercedes has announced a joint venture with Japanese company Toray Industries to manufacturer and market its on CFRP automotive parts. The deal was signed in Germany today, with Toray taking a 50.1% stake, Daimler holding 44.9% and the remaining 5% being taken by other shareholders. The two companies started working together in March 2010, and while Toray has been working on the materials and moulding processes, Merc has designed the automotive parts and the technologies to join the parts together.

GM Advanced Design California celebrates 10th Anniversary

On the eve of the 2010 LA Auto Show, GM's California Advanced Design Studio opened its doors in North Hollywood, to celebrate its 10th Anniversary. Based in a former bakery, the studio occupies a relatively small space in North Hollywood/Burbank with studio warehouses and small outbuildings sharing the plot, creating an environment that – if not for the palm trees – could easily double for the artisan workshops of a firm in old Europe. Yet on the night itself, the studio took on an altogether ethereal appearance – light-filled globes floated above the buildings and grounds, casting a blue/white hue across the venue.

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Revealed

Porsche has revealed the latest version of the 911 GT3 Cup – the first track car from Porsche based on the 991 911 – in Weissach. Porsche has built the new 911 GT3 Cup for its one-make racing series – the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup – and it comes with plenty of promise for more track success. The GT3 Cup gets a 3.8 litre flat six which delivers 460 horses to the back wheels through a six-speed dog-type ‘box operated by paddles on the steering wheel.