99 Jaguar Xjr Trim (leg) Shifter Bezel W/ Switches, Nice! 13700 on 2040-parts.com

UK car sales grow for first time in 15 months

By Tim Smith Motor Industry 06 August 2009 12:30 UK new car sales have nudged upwards by 2.4% in July 2009 – the first increase for 15 months. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which collates registration figures, claimed that the scrappage scheme was responsible for the jump. Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: ‘The impact of the scrappage scheme is clear and we are encouraged by the positive impact it has had, increasing new car registrations since April 2008.

Concept Car of the Week: BMW Z13 (1993)

Rear-mounted engine, three seats, central driving position, 830 kg. What might sound like the ingredients for a fantastic little sports car apply in fact to the exceptionally compact and exciting BMW Z13 concept presented in 1993 at the Geneva motor show. BMW engineers and designers developed a car that combined practicality, innovation, safety, economy and, more importantly, it looks like a lot of fun.

Saleen Sneak Peek

With the magical five-point-oh menacingly back on the quarter panels of 'Stangs, it didn't take long for tuners to saddle up performance steeds for 2011. Saleen Performance has goosed the 2011 Mustang GT with a slew of enhancements to create the S302, including a shorter-throw six-speed manual, optional brake upgrades that measure 14 inches with six-piston calibers and a Racecraft suspension that lowers ride height by 1.5 inches. The exterior gets rockers, a scooped hood and front and rear fascia, which are complemented by a redone interior with piano-black finishings.