Stinson 108 Tail Fairing. Barn Find. on 2040-parts.com

Excessive accessories are on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon

The Japanese tuning industry may finally be emerging from the economic slump if this year's Tokyo Auto Salon is an accurate barometer. The three-day spectacular--Japan's equivalent of SEMA--attracted nearly a quarter-million visitors, all eager to get a glimpse of the latest cars and the newest excessive accessories for 2011. Here's a recap: The Honda CR-Z was, without a doubt, the car of the show, and some versions were tuned to deliver up to 300 hp, thanks to turbocharging or supercharging kits.

Most of Saleen sold to Michigan group

The future of specialty carmaker Saleen Inc. is getting a little clearer: Most of the company was sold to a Michigan group last week after being on the block since November. An entity called MJ Acquisitions, which owns parts and engine companies in Michigan, bought Saleen’s performance street-car program, supercharger and aftermarket business from Los Angeles private-investment firm Hancock Park Associates.

Drivers make New Year Resolutions

MORE THAN half of British drivers have made a New Year’s Resolution, with many promising to drive more courteously or more economically. A survey by motoring organisation the AA found that 14% of drivers will make the effort to drive for greater economy, while 11% said they would walk more to save fuel. A further 6% are aiming to drive less and 5% want to cycle more to cut down on car use.