1949 - 1950 Cadillac Horn Button Original 160124 49022 on 2040-parts.com

Michelin Challenge Design Selects Designs for 2009 NAIAS

The Michelin Challenge Design Jury met in July at Art Center College of Design and selected the designs that will be displayed next January at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) at the Cobo Center in Detroit. The entrants were challenged to create vehicles in support of the central theme ‘BRAVE+BOLD'; America's Next Iconic Vehicle. The designs were evaluated for uniqueness, emotional appeal, design courage and technical execution.

Car hire costs branded ‘extortionate’

MORE THAN 45% of hire car users described hidden costs such as insurance and fuel as extortionate, according to a new survey. 200 UK consumers aged over 30 and earning more than £20,000 per annum were quizzed for the survey, conducted on behalf of Carhiremarket.com, with over 45% agreeing that hidden costs for insurance and fuel were extortionate. Users cited greater transparency or an all-inclusive upfront price as a more desirable option.

Audi RS5 (2010) first official pictures

This is the new Audi RS5, a £60,000 super-coupe with a high-revving 4.2-litre V8 and a 174mph top speed. It's Audi's riposte to the BMW M3, and we'll see it in the metal at next week's 2010 Geneva motor show. Under the bonnet is the same naturally aspirated 4163cc V8 that powered the old RS4 and is currently found in the R8, but Audi’s Quattro GmbH division – responsible for all of Ingolstadt’s RS models – has squeezed an extra 30bhp out of the engine. That means the high-revving, direct-injection 4.2-litre V8 produces 444bhp at 8250rpm, along with 317lb ft from 4000 to 8000rpm.  That power is sent through a seven-speed S-tronic gearbox to all four wheels, and with the Launch Control system engaged it’s enough to propel the 1725kg coupe to 62mph in 4.6 seconds, before powering the RS5 on to its 155mph limiter.