New Volkswagen Beetle/ghia/bus/thing/typ3 Fastback/squareback 0.040 Rod Bearings on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen plans 4 million cars from one platform

Volkswagen is pushing the global-platform concept to a level unprecedented in the auto industry, introducing a modular platform this summer that eventually will be the basis of microcars, sedans, crossovers and SUVs for its four largest brands. While automakers now share platforms across brands and sometimes even segments, the VW initiative that starts this summer is far more ambitious than anything seen so far. By 2017, some analysts estimate, the MQB platform that debuts with the Audi A3 eventually will be used in 4 million units a year--close to half of VW's annual production.

To Infiniti and beyond at Goodwood

LUXURY Japanese car maker Infiniti gave the UK public something to savour at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with a high-octane combination of well-known faces and high-speed timed runs up the famous hill-climb. Christian Horner, team principal of Formula One team Red Bull, took turns at the wheel of the 568-horspower Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge prototype, sharing driving duties with professional racer Sébastien Buemi. Members of the public queued for access to the road-going Q50 range, which was also on offer for hill-driving duties, and some were even treated to a turn in the FX Vettel Edition: a chunky SUV with handling and performance tuned with the direct input of four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Renault Clio Gordini 200 – UK Price & detail

The Renault Clio Gordini 200 Renault are moving on with their Gordini offerings, this time the Clio with the announcement that the Renaulsport Clio 200 gets the Gordini treatment – Blue with white stripes – and a near £2,000 price premium. Apart from the requisite paint job Renault has added gloss black to parts of the bumpers, shoved a set of white mirrors on and added some bespoke, 17″ alloys. But in fact you don’t ahve to stick to the Gordini Blue colour scheme – you can opt for Black or White instead.