30541a1 Bearing Carrier on 2040-parts.com

Tokyo Auto Salon pits performance autos against hybrids

The world's other big January auto show, the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon, opened its doors to tuner enthusiasts in mid-month with a record 402 exhibitors. The Auto Salon fuses numerous styles, but the overriding theme this year was hybrid cars, with customized Toyota Priuses and Honda Insights at every turn. Good old-fashioned engine tuning is alive and well in Japan, where even new sports cars are being heavily modified, with cars such as the KRL Mitsubishi Evolution X and the HKS Nissan GT-R both boasting in excess of 600 hp.

Aston Martin Shop – at the Nurburgring

Aston Martin has opened a 2500 sq ft shop at the Nurburgring selling accessories and trinkets And now Aston Martin has decided it’s time to play shopkeeper, so they have opened up a new merchandise store at the Nurburgring. And they’re in good company, as both Nissan and Ferrari have recently done the same. But this is as much about the Nurburgring’s intention of becoming a leisure and business centre as it is about being a sales refuge for beleaguered car makers.

Honda Civic Type R – Mugen steps in

Mugen Honda Civic Type R - should rescue the new Type R from mediocrity But the latest version of the Type R is a bit of a let-down. It’s got old and soft. It’s bigger than its predecessor but has no more power so, instead of being an appealing car, it’s become a bit lost and overshadowed by the competition, such as the VW Scirocco R and the Ford Focus RS.