G6 05-08 Front Splash Shield Lh on 2040-parts.com

Only the top is soft in new Audi A5/S5 cabriolet

Audi is bucking the trend among luxury automakers who are churning out hardtop convertibles, as the new A5/S5 cabriolets that will reach these shores in October will be the old-fashioned, soft-top design. While other manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Volvo, among others, offer folding hard-tops, Audi says the compromise necessary to make room for the top and all its mechanical apparatus makes a soft-top the right choice for a small to mid-size convertible. The soft top is well insulated; even during a steady rain during our first drive of the car, the cabin was relatively quiet.

Toyota TS030 Hybrid (2012) first pics of new Le Mans racer

Toyota has unveiled its new Le Mans challenger, the TS030 Hybrid. The TS030 name designates this car as the successor to the TS010 and TS020 (better known at the GT-One) which competed at Le Mans in the 1990s – TS stands for Toyota Sport. What?

Nurburgring sold to German parts maker Capricorn Group for £83.5 million

The Nurburgring has been saved from bankruptcy The Nurburgring complex in Germany – home to many a car makers test centre and beloved of wannabe racers – has been saved from bankruptcy with an £83.5 million deal. German parts maker Capricorn Group have stumped up over £83.5 million to buy the Nurburgring complex which includes the famous 13 mile North Loop Track as well as the Grand Prix Circuit and have committed to spending and additional £21 million to further develop and improve the site. The Nurburgring track fell in to bankruptcy back in 2012, and it looked for a while as if the whole thing could be closed down, but bids from Capricorn Group and one other have saved the day, with Capricorn winning out with the bigger bid.