Banshee Throttle Housing on 2040-parts.com

Chevy, Michigan Tech unveil a different kind of racer

At the 113th Army-Navy Game on Dec. 8, Chevrolet and students from Michigan Technological University unveiled a new hand cycle designed to make it easier for wounded vets to compete in racing events, including marathons. General Motors CEO Dan Akerson said GM will build 10 prototypes for use by the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans in marathons across the country.

Ford and GM reliability ratings dip in Consumer Reports survey

Consumers rated Ford's new Explorer, Fiesta and Focus models at less-than-average reliability during their first year, according to Consumer Reports' annual auto survey. Poor reception of the new models bumped Ford's overall reliability rank from the 10th spot in 2010 to the 20th this year among the 28 major nameplates included in the survey. Findings are based on responses from 1.3 million vehicle owners or lessees who subscribe to the magazine.

Happy 80th Birthday, Syd Mead!

Take a poll among car designers to name their greatest influence, and one name is sure to appear at the top of the list: Syd Mead. The car designer, illustrator and futurist has inspired generations of the men and women who shape the cars we drive or admire. Syd has created the designs for the movies Blade Runner and Tron, while the illustrations published in his books such as Oblagon and Sentury (sought-after collector items today) depict the vision of a future dominated by superior technology and aesthetics.