94-97 Ford F250 Steering Column Id F4ta3c529cc on 2040-parts.com

New BMW 3-series bows, performance-oriented 335iS joins the lineup

A new performance-oriented 335iS model endowed with an M-sport styling kit and unique chassis settings heads the list of changes BMW brings to its facelifted 2011 3-series coupe and convertible. Set to slot into the lineup between an upgraded 335i and the M3 when it goes on sale in March as an exclusive for North America, the 335iS runs a tuned version of BMW's N54 engine, as found in the recently unveiled Z4 sDrive35iS, coupled to either a standard six-speed manual or an optional Getrag-engineered seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine of the 335iS adds a special software package to bump power to 326 hp and lift torque to 332 lb-ft--or to an even gutsier 369 lb-ft for short periods via an overboost function that unleashes added turbocharger boost pressure.

1 in 10 men prefer cars to women

Just over 12% of men think that some beautiful cars can look better than women, according to a new survey commissioned by Volvo in collaboration with brainwave monitoring specialists MyndPlay. The study analysed the electronic brain signals of respondents to measure the effect car design has on the human mind – and the results are very interesting… On Bing: see pictures of beautiful car design The most beautiful cars of all time In the interest of balance, women were also asked how they rank an attractive male compared to a good-looking car. The outcome showed one third (33%) of females asked actually rated images of impressive car design higher than pictures of an attractive man.

VW up! 5-Door costs from £8,360

The five-door version of VW’s baby car – the VW up! – will cost just £365 more than the 3-Door up, with prices from £8,360. We got the official reveal of the five-door VW up!