Centric 400.42003e Front Wheel Bearing & Hub Assy on 2040-parts.com

Michelin Challenge Design 2009 preview

Michelin has released details of three more contenders which will be displayed at the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit at the 2009 NAIAS next week. The stand will feature 11 scale models and 24 two-dimensional drawings that were selected by a jury of top automotive designers. Among these are Raquel Aparicio’s Soft Vehicle, Fernando Gomez’s Packard concept and Niels Grubak Iversen and David Goncalves’ Phoenix concept.

General Motors fires back at Volkswagen

General Motors issued a terse response this week to published comments by Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn, who suggested to the German press that Opel could be sold to a Chinese competitor. Detroit-based GM called Winterkorn's comments “regrettable” and accused him of “fanning speculation.” Opel was nearly sold to Magna and Russian investors in the wake of GM's 2009 bankruptcy. But then-CEO Ed Whitacre and the corporate board reversed that decision, igniting controversy from German political and labor leaders who have long chafed under American oversight.

Next Aston Martin V8 Vantage takes Paris in video

Aston Martin added a short promo video to its YouTube channel on Thursday showing the facelifted 2012 Vantage V8 coupe. The least expensive Aston now bears a stronger resemblance to the recently upgraded Vantage S thanks to a new front fascia, new rear styling and redesigned side sills. Wider wheels and tires will be installed along with six-piston competition-derived brakes.