Clamp, Heavy Truck Apps. P/n 3546068c2 on 2040-parts.com

Excessive accessories are on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon

The Japanese tuning industry may finally be emerging from the economic slump if this year's Tokyo Auto Salon is an accurate barometer. The three-day spectacular--Japan's equivalent of SEMA--attracted nearly a quarter-million visitors, all eager to get a glimpse of the latest cars and the newest excessive accessories for 2011. Here's a recap: The Honda CR-Z was, without a doubt, the car of the show, and some versions were tuned to deliver up to 300 hp, thanks to turbocharging or supercharging kits.

BMW 3-Series Coupé and Convertible facelift (2010): first official pictures

By John Burton First Official Pictures 17 January 2010 00:01 BMW is pepping up its 3-series Coupé and Convertible ranges in March 2010 – including the M3 – to bring them into line with the current Saloon and Touring. As well as a range of cosmetic pick-me-ups, there will be a reinvigorated range of cleaner, more powerful engines. The new 2010 BMW 3-series Coupé and Convertible: a light touch The updates to the 3-Series Coupé and Convertible are subtle.

Video: 7 sexiest car-wash scenes on film

It's Friday afternoon, and in an effort to help you faster pass the last few hours of the work week, we want to call your attention to New York Magazine's video slideshow of the hottest car-wash scenes on film. The spread is entertaining enough in its own right, but the real fun comes from the deadpan commentary provided by Debra Gorgos of Professional Carwashing & Detailing Magazine, who critiques the scrubbing skills of these scantily dressed stars. As for the common (in Hollywood, at least) practice of using one's bikini-clad chest in place of a soapy sponge?