Dura International Bd35058 Rear Floating Brake Drum on 2040-parts.com

Opel/Vauxhall teases Cascada mid-size convertible

Opel/Vauxhall has given us a sneak peek of its new mid-size convertible, the Cascanda, which effectively replaces the Astra Twin Top. The Cascanda features a full-size fabric roof that can be opened or closed with one button up to speeds of 30mph and is the latest model to shun a folding hardtop in favor of the lighter and more practical soft option. The company claims this is its first D-segment cabrio for more than 70 years but, unlike them, we haven't forgotten the Cavialier Convertible of the 1980s (see pic).

DRB-Hicom reject offer for Lotus

DBR-Hicom – owners of Proton and Lotus – have rejected an offer for Lotus and are intent on nursing it back to health. The rumours surrounding the fate of Lotus - especially after the Dany Bahar saga – have been rumbling around the car world for a long time. Will DRB-Hicom – who bought Proton, owners of Lotus, in 2011 – cut and run, or will they see Lotus as a possible jewel in their crown to be nursed back to health?

Designer Albrecht Graf Goertz dies

One of the world's legendary designers, Albrecht Graf Goertz, has died aged 92. Goertz was best known for his work at BMW, though he also worked with Porsche, Nissan and Toyota during his career. His most acclaimed works are the BMW 503 and 507 models - but Goertz also had a hand in the design of the 1964 Silvia 1600 Sports Coupe.