What You Should Know about Shackles — Automotive Parts Suppliers

Alright kiddies, a shackle is not just a handcuff, it’s also used to hold a leaf- spring and tire together. The spring shackle is attached to one end of the leaf spring, allowing it to flex while keeping the tires on the road. Plus, these babies can be lengthened and give a greater amount of clearance to your vehicle.

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Untouched

At times, the unplanned can be better.



Venue: Hybrid Studio
Photographer: Joshua Lee

Charlie Sheen acquire a 2011 Maybach Car

Charlie Sheen recently spends half-a-million-dollars on a new car. A 2011 Maybach 62s this week, a car that worth with a $509,250 price. The reason for buying the half million car price is to relieve stress since he have his recent assault allegations stemming from a turbulent night with Capri Anderson in New York City.

More stories at Charlie Sheen Treats Himself to a $500K New Ride

Finding the Perfect Radiator, Made Easy — Automotive Parts Suppliers

Not all radiators are made equal

Even with good maintenance of your radiator, it’s undeniable that the time may come when you need to replace it. Whether it gets busted by way of natural disasters or just wear and tear – let’s face it, not all radiators are made equal – some just aren’t made to last. The difficulty now lies in finding the radiators that are. But fret not, because I’ll be making it very easy for you by sharing how to find the radiator brand that you can trust: there are just 3 qualities that you need to look out for in your search for the perfect radiator.

via automotivepartsuppliers.com

Micco is back

It's been yonks!
"Aging well!" and so they cry..
my body says otherwise :P
I've neglected you for months too long, little micco..
and in that few months, it was life changing.
So many words yet where to start?
Leave the past...
in my dreams micco barked.


Venue: Tropicana

Why Leafsprings that Undergo Shot Peening are More Durable — Automotive Parts Suppliers

Shot peening is the blasting method of cleaning or altering various surfaces. In the case of automotive parts, it is most used in the production of leafsprings. It is basically a process where a small ball called a shot bombards the target surface repeatedly. When a shot is fired it creates a dimple on the surface, but below the surface the material tries to restore its original shape, if you had a go at it for a hundred thousand times, it would create a compressed and highly stressed network.          

Nearly all fatigue and stress corrosion failures originate at the surface, but cracks will not start in a compressively stressed zone. Shot peening makes sure that overlapping dimples create a uniform layer of compressive stresses which therefore lengthens the life of that metal.

The 2010 Lotus Elite Prototype

The revolutionary new Lotus Elite is precisely that. Its compact yet stylish body is sophistication embodied. It’s not only neatly elegant, in keeping with Lotus core values; it’s a car of substance incorporate some of the very latest technological innovations Lotus has to offer. The smooth retractable hard top version and the optional use of hybrid technology with KERS are typical examples of Lotus tailoring technology to deliver perfect performance.

While the vehicle revealed in this release is a Production Intent Prototype, it represents a concept vehicle being planned and developed by Lotus Cars. Lotus Cars reserves the right to change the external and internal design of the Production Intent Prototypes, the specification, performance, size, weight, fuel consumption, power train details and any other product information at anytime and without notice for any reason at all.

Details of performance, weight, fuel consumption and other production information relating to the Production Intent Prototypes are not official or proven figures and stand for the intended performance, weight, fuel consumption and other product information of the Production Intent Prototypes. The design, specification and performance figures for all Production Intent Prototypes will be confirmed following official testing and will be available from Lotus Cars.

Lotus Elite Specification:
Layout: 2+2 seater, front-mid-engined, rear wheel drive
Dimensions:
Length: 4.60m
Width: 1.90m
Height: 1.32m

Engine: Petrol, hybrid optional
Hybrid technology: Hybrid gearbox with integrated electric motors and KERS
Cylinder: V8
Capacity: 5.0 litre
Power/Torque: 620 PS / 720 Nm
Rev limit: 8,500 rpm
0-100 km/h: 3.5 to 3.7 seconds
Top speed: 315 km/h
CO₂ approx (CO₂/km): 215 g/km**
Weight: 1,650 kg
Seats: 2+2
Transmission: Full Hybrid transmission
Drive: RWD
Start of production: Early 2014
Enters the market: Spring 2014
Price indication: Circa £115,000

Renault unveils Sandero Stepway concept in Brazil

by Noah Joseph

If you've ever heard of the Dacia Sandero, it's probably from Clarkson teasing James May about it on Top Gear. The no-nonsense, bare-bones hatchback – sold alternatively as a Renault in markets where its budget subsidiary Dacia doesn't exist – is a favorite of Captain Slow.

In South America, the Sandero also comes as a crossover version called the Stepway, and taller though it is, it's just as decidedly spartan. That didn't stop Renault from drumming up some excitement over the budget range, however, with the show car you see here.

Envisioned as a successor to the current model and closer to a junior Duster, the Sandero Stepway Concept dials up the glitz factor just a touch with a sporty body kit, three-tone paint scheme and enough blue LEDs to light up the trendiest of night clubs. Also, some flower decals... for some reason. The result is something akin to a futuristic cup of cappuccino...

supported by: car rental in France

3 Signs of a Faulty Muffler and the Hazards You Should Know — Automotive Parts Suppliers

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The muffler’s main purpose is to muffle or cancel out the sound emitted from the engine but it’s also responsible for preventing emissions from entering the “cab” or the body of the vehicle. If you start noticing that your car sounds different when it starts or when it’s running, that’s one reason to check and make sure that your muffler is still in good working condition. It might be hard to tell at first, but don’t fret because over time, you will notice it because your car will sound a lot different and much louder than what you are used to. Don’t be in a hurry to dismiss this as a minor problem because you might get a ticket from the local traffic enforcer for sound pollution – and more importantly, because this is not the only problem you might encounter for a failing muffler.

Beware of hazardous emissions

You’ll eventually experience emissions entering the cab from the car’s tail pipe if you leave this problem unresolved. Bills passed mandating drivers to park facing the wall were certainly not made on a whim as this is a serious health hazard and people do die from inhaling emissions. Small children, pregnant women and people with heart or lung problems are particularly at risk. It might be hard to discern if the fumes you’re inhaling are caused by a faulty muffler or a polluted area, but initially fumes can cause coughing and allergies or watery eyes. Exhaust fumes can also cause babies to fall asleep while riding the car. Aside from health risks a faulty muffler can also decrease gas mileage, meaning your car will be able to cover less distance with a gallon of gasoline, which translates to higher fuel expense.

When in doubt, you can always go to the mechanic and have it checked. You might need to replace your muffler, or find that the symptoms are due to other car parts like the tailpipe instead. Either way, you should regularly have your car undergo maintenance or check- ups to ensure not just your safety but also the safety of the people around you.

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5 Radiator Myths Busted — Automotive Parts Suppliers

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With the deluge of information available to people today, it’s difficult to tell which tidbits of info are true and which are merely myths. When it comes to your car and its maintenance, we have to get our facts straight and not just rely on what others say.

Small but terrible enemies from the inner recesses of the car universe

Bugs can’t chew through your radiator like radioactive monsters from comic book hell can. What can do damage though, is when 25% of your radiator becomes their sacred burial ground. This accumulation can indeed cause your cooling system major damage. You can easily fight these creatures with pressure washer, and don’t worry, they won’t haunt you.

Tiny leak, not a problem!

Don’t be in a hurry to dismiss this and wait until you’ve got “time” to address this issue as this tiny hole can become a massive big pain! Small holes can easily become bigger or much worse, it can be an indication of a more severe problem in the cooling system.  Allowing fluid levels to run low will make your life miserable especially in the summer months. Remember, any small problem left unchecked always becomes a big problem, as this may result to bigger repair costs or replacement of parts. Be preventive rather than curative because being curative never focuses on the root of the problem and is a black hole for your hard earned cash.

All Antifreeze/ Coolants are made the same

Being a cheapskate is only good for those quirky fads (like beer mug eye glasses), but never on the essentials. You must learn to sort out parts that you need to invest on and those that you can forego on quality, like patent leather seats. Cheaper coolants do not offer the same additives like corrosion protection, sediment prevention or PH balancing like those of top- quality. A cheaper coolant can evaporate more quickly causing you to use more of the product and in the long run, cost you more.

No need to change a radiator cap that’s still working

Or is it? Your radiator cap needs to be replaced over time as it is exposed to extraordinarily high temperatures and is expected to maintain pressure inside the radiator at the same time. These caps have seals and springs to ensure proper pressure is maintained, but these seals and springs can corrode and crack over time. If these are faulty, think about what might happen if the pressure is unnecessarily released – it would be like a shaken can of soda bursting out of its seams. Keep these seals, springs and cap in working order or it can be devastating to your entire system. Always check your cap whenever you add coolant to your car.

Slow down when overheating in traffic

This is something straight out of the Myth Busters’ page. Revving the engine slightly can actually help push more air across the cooling cores when see the telltale signs of overheating are present, therefore pushing more coolant through the engine and conclusively cooling your engine.

It pays to know your facts. Always do your research and cross- reference before biting into that piece of cookie.

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How to Extend Radiator Life — Automotive Parts Suppliers

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Nothing is permanent in this world. Everything has an expiration date, even chocolates. Some women even go great lengths and store make-up in the fridge just to get that extra mileage for their cosmetics. The same rings true for your radiator – extra care must be taken in order for you to extend its life. Most mechanics agree that a properly maintained radiator should last for at least 8 to 10 years. Older metal radiators can even outlive the car! However, modern radiators are mostly made of plastic instead of metal, and plastic expands and contracts as the radiator heats and cools. Over time, this action may cause cracks but even so, it is rare for this to occur in less than a decade. 

The key to prolonging radiator life is understanding why the radiator is there in the first place. Your car expends a lot of energy in the form of heat, and this heat can cause serious damage to the other parts of the car if not kept at a certain level. This job is not for the radiator but for the coolant system, which pumps coolant (usually mixed with ethylene glycol also known as antifreeze) through the engine to absorb the heat. Then, after it is heated, it goes to the radiator to be cooled and emitted into thin air. This process cools the water and antifreeze mixture, which goes back to the engine for another cycle. So if your radiator is not working in tip-top shape, your car would eventually overheat and the engine would destroy itself.

 The key to this puzzle is the coolant because it is the mixture that can effectively cool the engine. Water alone cannot do that as you know that water can easily be heated and can render no effect to the cooling process. Try to regularly flush the coolant system and replace the old with new fluids, or as often as your car maker suggests.  If you frequently find the fluid level is not where it is supposed to be, this might be a sign that you have a leak. If you do have a leak, pour radiator sealant into the radiator and allow it to settle in the hole. Make sure to check in with your friendly neighborhood mechanic if you notice more severe symptoms.

Take good care of your radiator and it will surely serve you well.

via automotivepartsuppliers.com

Kevin Durant's GMC Van Video

Kevin Durant, one of the best NBA player most people not at all are getting to see, drives his extra long conversion van 10 minutes from his house in the bounds of Oklahoma City to the Thunder's practice facility, which if not precisely in the middle of nowhere is at least on its border.

He passes wilting power lines and inoperative oil derricks and enormous fields of delicate yellow grass pocked with snow before turning onto a two-lane road and, just past the John Deere factory, pulling into the parking lot of the practice center, a converted roller rink. Unfolding his 6'9" frame from the van, Durant ambles past the strange rabbit lounge in the bushes and enters the gym for another day of work.

More stories at Kevin Durant: Kicking It Up A Notch

Michael Jordan's $430,000 Mercedes McLaren For Sale?

Michael Jordan has bought a 2007 Mercedes McLaren SLR 722. It is said that it is one of the best cars that was made. But as of now, he's selling it after only driving it 962 miles? The McLaren can be yours for $430,000, which is a little precious for that brand even if the wheels were spun for fewer than a thousand miles (considering it cost around $475,000 new). The sellers are clearly factoring in the whole "Michael Jordan owned this car" addition.


Front Picture of the Mclaren:


Rear Picture of the McLaren:




Detailed informations at For Sale: Michael Jordan's $430,000 Mercedes McLaren

Picture : Most Beautiful Cars in the World

Aston Martin Rapide

MSRP: $197,850

The front mid-mounted 6-liter V12 engine produces 470 bhp, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. The engine is hand-built in Köln, Germany, and features a six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission.

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

MSRP: $301,600. This 4.7-liter, V8 engine gets 444 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Each angle on the front and sides of the car was calibrated to ensure the most efficient airflow around the car, Alfa says, and it shows: It will do speed of 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and 0 to 100 mph in 9.7 seconds.

Bentley Mulsanne

MSRP: $285,000

Mulsanne is inspired by the company founder W.O. Bentley's crowning achievement, the 8-liter auto first shown at the 1930 London Motor Show. A 6 3/4-liter, V8 engine gets 505bhp; inside, exotic woods, leather hides and solid stainless-steel brightware are hand-crafted for maximum luxury.

Dodge Challenger SRT8

MSRP: $43,680

The vintage throwback has a 6.1-liter V8 HEMI engine, with a five-speed automatic transmission and 425-horsepower. Inside, heated leather bucket seats with an accent stripe and illuminated cup-holders help make the car viable as a daily driver.

Ferrari 458 Italia

MSRP: $240,000

The 8-cylinder two-seater "berlinetta" has a mid-rear mounted engine and a max speed of 202 miles per hour. Its three rear tailpipes, single-opening front grille, side air intakes and swooping Pininfarina design underscore the "performance-oriented efficiency" that inspired the project, Ferrari says.

Jaguar XJL

MSRP: $113,000 (XJL Supersport)

The highest end of the XJ line, the XJL Supersport, does 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (thanks to a 510-hp engine). It has softgrain leather throughout the cabin, manual side window blinds and a panoramic sunroof.

Maserati Quattroporte

MSRP: $120,250

The 4.2-liter V8 has 400 bhp and a top speed of 164 mph. Zero to 60 mph time is 5.5 seconds. Hand-stitched Poltrona Frau leather and wood veneers in dozens of colors can be combined for a personalized feel inside the car.

Mercedes SLS AMG

MSRP: $183,000

This car is the modern interpretation of the classic Mercedes 300SL. It's a V8 and with 571 horsepower, which gets it to 60 mph in 3.8-seconds and a top speed of 197 miles per hour.

Porsche Boxster Spyder

MSRP: $61,200

The 320-horsepower engine (more powerful than the Boxster S) gets to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 166 miles per hour. Its two trunks and manageable ragtop (switch time: three minutes) make it viable as a daily driver in warm climates.

Rolls Royce Ghost

MSRP: $245,000

The 6.6-liter turbocharged V12 has 563 horsepower, with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Zero to 60 mph is 4.8 seconds; top speed is 155 mph. It's the most drivable and aesthetically distinctive modern Rolls but still shares the same uber-luxe leather, paint and wood detailing as the larger Phantom.

Extreme Car Show

XR8 Falcon 01

As Extreme as the Car

As Extreme as the Car

BMW M3 Cabrio extreme

2010 Porsche 911 Tequipment Aerokit Cup Picture

1999 Silvia Parts Front Side View

Silvia Cars. For example. The two cars share some aluminum suspension components and differences also adds body and chassis has been strengthened, especially rigidity in much the same way as the Nissan Skyline GTR: the rails, rear floor, body bar, and behind walls.

jazz modification

Aston Martin is readying a revised, more powerful V8 Vantage for summer 2008, CAR has learned. Its smallest car was launched in 2005 and is in line for a mid-life spruce-up, with a body polish here and some engineering tweaks there.

They promise to iron out the small glitches that prevent this mouth-watering coupe and soft-top from entering the ranks of the greats. Our man with the long lens up in Sweden has seen a brace of Vantages on winter test – and, tellingly, they are registered with a bigger 4733cc V8.




We hear the company is launching a new, more powerful model to slot above the regular 4.3-litre Vantages and give the V8 the performance it needs to take on the sportier 911s. CAR recently tested the new V8 Vantage N400 and came away captivated – but ruing the details that let down an exquisite package. Happily, the newly independent Aston is about to fix many of the glitches – such as the Nineties-era Ford flat-barrelled key that hardly sits comfortably with an £83,000 Aston Martin.

Modification extrem Honda Jazz 2010

modifikasi honda jazz contest

HONDA Degree Modification Contest "Tuning JAZZ CONTEST 2007"

Connect the success of the Jazz Tuning Contest is held in the year 2005, PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) to hold back the third time the event "Jazz Tuning Contest 2007" in the Main Atrium Mall Taman Anggrek, Jakarta, from 28 June to 1 July 2007 . This event is an event contest modifications for users Honda Jazz mania for the creativity and innovation in modifying their cars.

Supervision Car

Honda Jazz Airbrush Modification Extreme

this car in the anatomy accomplish over. Installation of spoiler, advanced bumper, ancillary and aback up his own brim added to the car body. Wide Anatomy 10 cm was additionally added. In accession to install added anatomy on the exterior, Benny Cooper agitated amber acrylic all over the car body. As a sweetener, antagonism blooming acid sticker added to the ancillary of the car body. Other complementary, custom wing, displayed on the back.

2010 LUXGEN Cars New Luxgen7 SUV 2.2-litre Turbocharged

2010 Luxgen7 SUV is model that’s on sale in its home market and if it proves successful, could eventually make its way to the UK and other European countries. It is Taiwan’s first passenger automobile brand Luxgen. The Taiwanese auto brand, Luxgen, has lifted off the covers from its second model, the very new Luxgen7 SUV that according to the maker, “represents a milestone in vehicle design.” The company’s first model was called the LUXGEN7 MPV and received tremendous response in sales and became the first automobile ever to win the prestigious Taiwan Excellence Award. Now with Luxgen7 SUV, the company seems to be scripting another success story.

2010 LUXGEN Cars New Luxgen7 SUV

The 2010 Luxgen7 SUV represents a milestone in vehicle design. The distinctive wing shaped chrome nose trim and cascading grille express both power and confidence and upward sweeping beltlines convey a sense of dynamics motion as well. Measuring at 4.8 meters long, 1.93 meters wide and 1.76 meters in height, the LUXGEN7 SUV is also among the largest in its segment while maintaining elegant and svelte proportions.

LUXGEN7 SUV is also the only one in its segment to feature the intelligent power actuated tailgate as standard equipment. Another exclusive feature in the car is the anti-theft sport seat. The company explains the working in the following statement: “When drivers press the button on the anti-theft seat for three seconds before locking the doors with the remote control, the anti-theft system will activate by sliding itself forward and leaning against the steering wheel to deny unauthorized access of the vehicle.”

The Luxgen7 SUV powered by a newly developed 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 175HP at 6,000rpm and 28kgm of torque spanning from 2,500 to 4,000rpm. The petrol unit is coupled to an also new 5-speed automatic transmission equipped with manual shifting function and what Luxgen describes as “intelligent Transmission Control Module with 10 built-in operation modes.” The automatic transmission was developed by Japan’s Aisin.

The Luxgen7 SUV interior design uses the premium leather seat with airline first class style surrounding head restraints together with the available heating, ventilation, electronic and lumbar support adjustment functions to ensure utmost comfort anytime. In addition, the Hi-end Clarion audio system and JBL speakers provide premium sound quality and surreal vocal reproduction to music lovers.

In the interior, the luxury Luxgen7 SUV features Hi-end Clarion audio system with JBL speakers, GPS navigation, four advanced visual assistance systems including Eagle View and many more. In the security system, however, there is SRS airbags, ABS Antilock Braking System, BAS Braking assistance System and EBD Electronic Brake Distribution. The potential buyers have to shell out somewhere between US$25,831 to 35,386 to own a Luxgen7 SUV.

Inside the Luxgen7 SUV you will find premium leather seat available with heating, ventilation, electronic massage and lumbar support adjustment, as well as Hi-end Clarion audio system and JBL speakers. The safety features dual front SRS airbags, Antilock Braking System, Braking Assistance System, and Electronic Brake Distribution system. Furthermore, dual side protection airbags, dual side curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Control, and Traction Control System are also available options.

In addition, the SUV also gets an intelligent 3-mode 4WD system that can actively split engine torque between the front and rear axles based on the road condition and driver input. In Taiwan market, the Luxgen7 SUV is available in five trim levels at prices ranging from NTD 838,000 ($25,831 U.S.) to NTD 1,148,000 ($35,386 U.S.).

sport car modification contest

Ed Peper to ZR1 detractors: "Bring it."

GM thinks that the Corvette ZR1 is pretty much the baddest machine on four wheels, period. This was driven home today in a post on the Fastlane Blog by Chevy general manager Ed Peper. Seeing him advocate his brand's (and GM's) flagship is far from surprising, and as he rattles off the car's positives, it seems like pretty standard-issue public relations fare. It's only as he wraps up that he seems to get a little exercised over some folks' habit of turning all Corvette-related conversations into pushroad vs. overhead-cam arguments. In response, he namechecks some very heavy hitters -- the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 GTB, and the Lambo LP640 -- as he casually pulls the gloves off, matter-of-factly stating that the ZR1 has a better power-to-weight ratio than all of them. Then, in his parting shot, he dons the brass knuckles and calls out any and all comers who would challenge the Corvette ZR1's abilities with two simple words: "Bring it."

You know what it is when this kind of smack talk starts flying around? It's fun. And we haven't even heard from Lutz yet.

HONDA OSM CONSEP

Honda says that the OSM roadster on display at the 2008 British Motor Show is merely a design study, but given that "design study" is frequently a euphemism for "future design language," we wonder if we're seeing the next iteration of Honda car styling. Frankly, we hope so, because this is worlds better than what we've seen from the automaker of late, from the Accord right on up to the bland and bloated Pilot. The OSM, short for Open Study Model, is a shapely two-seat convertible that we'd be happy to drive today. Well, maybe with headlamps that weren't lightsaber-sized. Other than that, we love the jaunty look, especially in back, where the taillamps sweep gently from one side of the car to the other. Since it's a styling exercise, there's no specific powertrain combination associated with it, but Honda assures us that the car is an indication that lightweight, low-emissions motoring needn't be boring. No kidding, guys. Inside, the cockpit basically evolves the two-tier instrument panel you'll find in the current Civic into a far more attractive driving environment that we hope to see in road cars sooner than later. While Honda says there's no plan to create a production sport/econo roadster like this anytime soon, somebody's obviously thinking about it. Future S2000 replacement, maybe? "Design studies" such as this don't happen by accident.Honda's low-emission sportscar study model has been revealed at the British International Motor Show, at ExCeL, London. The lightweight roadster design study displays one of Honda's core engineering principles – to design stylish and exciting cars that are also environmentally responsible. Named the OSM (for Open Study Model), the two-seater joins the confirmed-for-production CR-Z sports hybrid and FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell car on the Honda stand at the show. "We're trying to show that low emission cars can be attractive," says Andreas Sittel, Project Leader for OSM. "There is no reason why a car that's more environmentally friendly can't look great too – and be sporty and fun to drive." The concept for the project was 'Clean and Dynamic' – and this direction was followed for both the exterior and interior design, ensuring a joined-up, consistent 'language' between the two. One example of this can be seen at the rear of the car, where the body actually extends into the cabin between the seats. The exterior design is a balance of smooth, rounded curves and sharp lines to provide definition in key areas. The headlights are cleverly integrated into the front end, stretching from the nose to the top of the wheel arches to look more like a part of the original body. Inside, this uninterrupted, fluid approach is continued, with long sweeping curves extending from both door panels to form a frame for the instrument display. The concept for the dashboard was to avoid creating the traditional block of 'heavy' colour and material in front of the driver; in keeping with the clean and lightweight theme. For that reason, the dash is broken into sections, with the most important instruments in direct line-of-sight of the driver. Key information is displayed in a rounded, enclosed central binnacle, with levels and figures in bright blue on a black background. This matches the trim inside the car, with the seats and door furniture trimmed in a new, gloss-effect blue leather, accompanied by white leather sections, in line with the exterior body colour, a one-off paint called Mystic Pearl. The driver's main controls and functions are distributed in an intuitive layout, close at hand on a panel that curves downwards to the right of the driver. A centrally-mounted semi-sequential gear-shift points towards a fun-to-drive transmission, along with paddle shifts either side of the steering wheel. Integrated into the gearshifter itself is a red ignition 'start' button, which reinforces the sporty direction of the car. The Honda OSM was designed by Honda's R&D facility in Offenbach, Germany. It's the latest example of the young talent being developed within Honda's design studios in Europe – following the Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept (Geneva 2007) and the Accord Tourer Concept (Frankfurt 2007). At present, the Honda OSM is a design study model, and there are no plans for it to enter production.

Lotus unveils the Evora

Project Eagle has finally been unveiled today at the 2008 British Motor Show as the Evora, and Lotus is beaming over its little eaglet. The Evora will be the most grown up and accessible Lotus in the British manufacturer's lineup. To illustrate, the automaker claims it will fit two American males in the front seats (did they just call us fat?). It's a mid-engine, 2+2 coupe (a convertible is planned) with 3.5L V6 sourced from Toyota but elevated by Lotus above its humble origins to produce 276 horsepower. The car weighs just 2,976 lbs., which might be a lot for a Lotus but is well below the average weight of most cars. The interior is unlike any you've seen from this automaker, which is to say that occupying one won't be like staying in a hostel compared to a four-star hotel. You've got leather all around, a nav system, and Lotus promises ingress and egress have been vastly improved over its other models.

The Evora will be built on a new assembly line at the company's assembly plant in Hethel, England at the rate of 2,000 annually, but has been designed to meet safety and emissions requirements around the world. That many cars for so many markets means the Evora will be exclusive, although we don't expect Lotus to leave money on the table if there's big demand for its new, softer, more accessible sports car. Other vehicles will also eventually be built on the Evora's new aluminum chassis, which is called the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) and was first seen on the Lotus APX Concept. It can be stretched, widened and carry a vehicle weighing over 4,000 lbs. One new Lotus is enough for now, though, as we try to wrap our heads around a Hethel-based car with creature comforts.

2010 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID CAR

Cars.com has awarded its first annual Eco-Friendly Car of the Year award to the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid.

The company developed the awards to "recognize vehicles best suited for the lifestyle needs of today's car buyer."

"Where some cars employ hybrid technology to make a car

Umbrella Auto Design tricks out the Nissan GT-R's cockpit

by Noah Joseph

If the Nissan GT-R is going to seriously take on the Porsche 911, it's going to need to do a bit better on the interior fit and finish. Nissan's own people realized that much when they launched the Egoist edition of the new GT-R, but what if you've already got your Godzilla in the driveway? What are you to do then?

Turn to Umbrella Auto Design, that's what. The Seattle-based tuners have announced an aftermarket retrofit for the GT-R's interior that swathes the entire cabin – seats, dashboard, console, instrument binnacle, steering wheel, door panels, shift levers, etc. in luxe and racy black ultra-suede with silver diamond quilting and top-stitch. They've even repainted the plastics in black to match. Looks pretty slick, and they can reportedly carry it out on any GT-R in about three weeks. Check it out in the gallery below.