02 03 04 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup R. Front Knee 50578 on 2040-parts.com

Europe's Car of the Year 2011 shortlist announced

The 41 contenders for Europe's 2011 Car of the Year trophy have been whittled down to the final seven as the European CoTY shortlist is announced today. The winner will be voted for by 59 of Europe's most influential motoring journalists, including two CAR writers: editor Phil McNamara and European editor Georg Kacher. The 2010 winner - by just 10 points ahead of the Toyota iQ - was the Volkswagen Polo. Like the Eurovision Song Contest, Car of the Year has proved controversial in the past with accusations of block-voting and blind patriotism, yet the award remains one of the most prestigious in the motor industry.

UK Honda Civic Type R for Japan

Honda UK is to export the Civic Type R to Japan to be sold as the Honda Civic Type R Euro Currently, the only Civic Type R sold in Japan is the saloon version, so the addition of the 3-door will add to the range. But the problem is that the current Civic Type R is a bit of a let-down. It’s gone from being the ‘Thinking Man’s’ hot hatch to something of an also-ran.

The name is Alfa – Alfa Romeo 159 Limited Edition

That’s right. Alfa Romeo has launched a limited edition version of the Alfa Romeo 159 to celebrate the cameo role the 159 plays in the new Bond film Quantum of Solace. This Limited Edition Alfa Romeo 159 is loaded with over £3k of extras, including Red Brembo callipers, black leather upholstery, special black paint finish, darkened 19″ alloys and lowered suspension.