Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Performance Car of the Year 2008

In the November issue of CAR Magazine we've gathered together 29 of the best performance cars from the past 12 months to find out which is best. And to bring you the key battles of 2008 we've split the 29 cars into groups. That means the new issue of CAR features the Lamborghini LP560-4 taking on the GT2, CLK Black and Gumpert Apollo; Nissan's amazing GT-R matches up against the new 911, the Jag XKR-S and Aston's revised V8; Ford's brand new Focus ST Moutune takes on the spanking Mini JCW and KTM's crazy X-Bow meets three of the best British track cars, plus much, much more.

Smart's $99 loan deal has big balloon payment at end

Hoping to benefit from the federal cash-for-guzzlers program, Smart USA has set up a $99 monthly payment for buyers who use their $4,500 rebate. But there's a catch--and a hefty balloon payment disclosed only as a note to an asterisk in Smart's press information announcing the offer. The Smart financing is for $99 a month for 36 months, with a balloon payment of $6,667 due at the end.

Four artists let loose to customize Renault Twingo cabins [w/video]

Four examples of the revised version of Renault's Twingo have been given an artistic overhaul. Four artists created four very different visions, which went on display under the title ‘Cabinet of Curiosities' from December to January at L'Atelier Renault on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris. Four artistic disciplines – fashion, food, music and design – were represented by French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Italian chef Davide Scabin, former Girls Aloud member Nicola Roberts and German designer Nils Holger Moormann, respectively.