Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Evolution 7 8 9 Rear Differential on 2040-parts.com

Lexus LF-LC hybrid sports coupe unveiled at 2012 Detroit show

After a series of leaks and early teasers, the wraps have finally come off the new Lexus LF-LC hybrid sports car concept here in Detroit. It's a glamorous 2+2, showing how Toyota's Calty design studio in California imagines a new sports car for the brand. However, all the indications at the 2012 NAIAS show are that it's more an ideas car - and a hint of future styling trends - more than a model bound for a Lexus showroom near you.

Kia Pop concept (w/ Gallery)

The Kia Pop will make its world debut at the Paris motor show, but the Korean manufacturer has released these digital renders of the electric city car concept in advance. At three meters long, the Pop is similar in length to the Toyota iQ. It features a wave-like front bench seat making room for a single rear occupant behind the front passenger. Designed by a team headed by Gregory Guillaume at Kia's European design center in Frankfurt under Peter Schreyer, the Pop mixes the Sportage's strong surfacing with a playful lozenge-shaped DLO.

Tesla pays off its government loans

Tesla paid off the last of its $465 million government loans May 22, nine years ahead of schedule, thus outperforming most U.S. college graduates and the vast majority of American homeowners. Tesla used funds from a stock offering to finish the loan with a whopping bank transfer of $451.8 million Wednesday, pointing out that it was “…the only American car company to have fully repaid the government.” Apparently no one at Tesla was even born when Lee Iacocca paid off Chrysler's $1.2-billion government bailout ahead of schedule back in 1983.