Flat Spacers Alum 1/8in Thick 3/8in Id 11/16inod on 2040-parts.com

Bring a Trailer exclusive: 1970 BMW 2800CS

There's nothing like a little vintage kink courtesy of Herr Hofmeister to make Thursday a little brighter, particularly when it's blended with the low beltline and tall greenhouse of a gorgeous 1970 BMW 2800CS. Our friends at Bring a Trailer got the lead on this Temecula, Calif.-based E9 loaded with upgrades to turn it in to what we'd imagine is a spectacular driver. Alpina-style 16-inch wheels?

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).

News watch December 2011: today's auto industry news

Welcome to CAR Magazine's news aggregator as we round up the daily stories in the auto industry. Top tip: news summaries are added from the top hour-by-hourFriday 30 December 2011• Fisker has recalled all 239 Karma plug-in hybrids manufactured between 1 July and 3 November this year to fix a glitch in its battery. Supplier A123 Systems says the problem affects the battery's cooling system, but Fisker is adamant no customers have complained and this is a precautionary step (Automotive News)• Supplier Continental says business looks brisk in the first quarter of 2012, thanks to strong demand in the US and Asia (Automotive News Europe)• Toyota chief executive Akio Toyoda is gradually changing the culture at Japan's biggest car maker, according to the Detroit News.