An outrageous pink Streetka...
An outrageous pink Streetka will be launched this year - but Ford says it"s only for a film. In the forthcoming Thunderbirds movie, it will be Lady Penelope"s second car. Her first is the Ford Thunderbird-based six-wheel FAB 1 limousine. "The Streetka is very bright pink," said a blue oval insider. But he denied it would reach production, explaining: "It would clash with everything!"
Dr Aurelio Gonzalez-Villasenor...
Dr Aurelio Gonzalez-Villasenor led a team of University of Manchester engineers to give the idea of vehicles travelling in high-speed close formation - or platooning - a nudge forward.
The plan, which involves roadside transmitters guiding traffic, has been around for decades, but was held back by concern over technology failures. Now, the team has come up with a safety net. In the event of a signal failure, the bumper extends to touch the car in front and reacts if it brakes or accelerates. Dr Gonzalez-Villasenor"s team hopes to have working prototypes this year.