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

Commentary: Auto China 2008

China is a country that's been trading its bicycles for a more modern mode of transport: the car. And while modernization as a whole can be viewed as a good thing, the alarming rate of growth can also be a severe drawback. Our recent trip to Beijing for Auto China 2008 is case in point.

VW Beetle GSR Limited Edition gets 207bhp

Volkswagen are launching a limited edition of the Beetle – the VW Beetle GSR – with yellow and black paint job and 207bhp. The Beetle GSR stays relatively faithful to the paint job on its granddad with the bonnet and boot of the GSR in black, as are the roof and mirrors, and there are yellow and black stripes with ‘GSR’ lettering on the sides, all setting off the yellow paint job and 19″ alloys completing the exterior. Oddly, despite the GSR paying tribute to its 1970s predecessor, you can also order your GSR in Platinum Grey or Black. Inside, the new GSR gets R-Line racing track sports seats with cloth upholstery and yellow stitching )although our Colonial cousins get full leather) and a leather steering wheel with the build number – 1 to 3,500 – on a badge on the wheel, R-Line dash, GSR gear stick, leather handbrake cover and black mats with yellow trim.

Audi R8 V10 sells for $500,000 at charity auction

Which would you pay more for--a V10-powered Audi R8 or the new Ferrari California? At the third annual Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance in Florida last weekend, the Audi R8--the first one in the United States equipped with the 5.2-liter V10--was the winner in a charity auction, selling for $500,000, well above the car's sticker price of $180,000. Meanwhile, the Ferrari California was snapped up for $350,000, a bit more than the $225,000 sticker price.