Nascar Racing Carbon Fiber Dash Piece on 2040-parts.com

Shortages of Japan-built cars open the door for U.S. automakers

U.S. carmakers sense that they have a chance to win back customers this summer with the launch of several redesigned models, while their Japanese competitors struggle with supply shortages. About 197,000 car buyers who typically would favor a Japanese brand are in play this summer, according to market research firm A.T.

Audi R8 GT Spyder gets early unveiling at 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans

The new Audi R8 GT Spyder got an early unveiling outside the Audi Racing Pavillion at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans on Friday evening. The 552-hp V10 drop-top rocket uses carbon-fiber panels and a lightened interior to lower weight compared with the standard R8 5.2 FSI quattro Spyder. Audi claims 62 mph arrives in just 3.8 seconds, and the car tops out at 197 mph.

New Range Rover gets Bridge of Weir Leather

The new Range Rover (2013) is getting its sumptuous leather interior courtesy of Bridge of Weir Low Carbon Leathers Land Rover’s supplier of choice for the Range Rover’s leather is Bridge of Weir Leather Company, part of the Scottish Leather Group and a privately owned Scottish Company that just happens to be the UK’s only automotive leather manufacturer (although they may need to rephrase that in a couple of years if Alex Salmond gets his way). The big shout is that Bridge of Weir’s leathers are low carbon, but what’s more interesting than the trendy (and, some would say, pointless) shout out is just how efficient Bridge of Weir are. The Bridge of Weir factory has its own Thermal Energy Plant which provides 70 per cent of its needs (and will provide it all by 2015) and all the waste products are recycled instead of being discarded.