Eis D1948 Wheel Lug Bolt on 2040-parts.com

2014 Aston Martin Rapide S rips out 550 hp

If you remember nothing else about the updated 2014 Aston Martin Rapide–now with an S added to the name–keep this in mind: Power surges 80 hp to a whopping 550 hp from the naturally aspirated 5.9-liter V12 engine. Aston Martin dipped into its expertise gleaned from the World Endurance Championship GT competition to fortify output and efficiency. Torque increases to 457 lb-ft (from 443 lb-ft), and top speed is pushed 7 mph to 190.

Listen: Upcoming Ford Focus ST to employ sound symposer

While BMW employs a digitally sanitized/perfected sound file to give M5 owners the proper sense of aggro urgency when motoring at pace, Porsche went a little more organic with its employment of a sound symposer to feed the 911's flat-six growl into the cabin of the extra-refined 991. Essentially, the sound symposer is an electrically controlled diaphragm in a tuned sound tube that brings the proper engine noises into the passenger compartment. It can be opened and closed by the car's onboard electronics to offer snarl when you want it and serenity when you don't.

Audi says U.S. will get clean diesels at a premium

Audi CEO Rupert Stadler says American consumers will get more clean diesels--but they will pay a premium for them. “I think the problem is that we don't really have an honest discussion,” Stadler said in a press roundtable at the auto show here. “There is a very, very high level of investment, and nobody today knows if the return will come,” he said.