Light-weight alloy wheels may one day be replaced by even lighter plastic wheels or advanced composite versions. A new testing system has been developed that will allow manufacturers to simulate tests for the wheels in the hope that they’ll one day feature on production cars. The benefits of plastic wheels are their lower costs and lighter mass. plastic_wheel01.jpgPlastic specialists, who developed the wheels using glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) components some time ago, have never been able t Join discussion...

Apple is developing a navigation system for Mercedes-Benz, according to German magazine Focus. The technology will debut for the 2009 model year, exclusive to Mercedes automobiles. Six months later, other automakers will be allowed to license the technology, the report claims. The first 2009 models are likely to show up in mid to late 2008 — roughly 12 to 16 months from now. With 2008 models already finalized and either at dealers or arriving this fall, Mercedes is likely already testing the Join discussion...