Raybestos H17398 Parking Brake Hardware Kit on 2040-parts.com

Nissan 370Z Roadster (2009): full official photos

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 07 April 2009 22:01 Nissan has released its full official photos of the new 370Z Roadster in New York ahead of its debut at the 2009 auto show. As expected, it's a straightforward decapitation of the thrill-seeking 370Z Coupe, with a good, old-fashioned canvas soft-top in keeping with the Zed's no-nonsense character.There's structural reinforcement in the A-pillars and side sills to counter the lack of roof, but Nissan says numerous body panels are made from aluminium to keep weight in check. The bonnet, door panels and bootlid are all crafted from the lightweight metal and there are individual, fixed roll bars behind each seat.Providing the fun is the 327bhp/270lb ft 3.7-litre V6 with variable valve lift and the choice of a seven-speed auto or six-speed manual transmission.

Volkswagen Passat: The US Passat aka VW NMS

The US VW Passat - bigger and cheaper Volkswagen has been trailing something called the VW NMS in the US. What is it? It’s the VW New Mid-Size Sedan.

Plug-In 2013 conference plugs along

Every now and then, the electric car industry comes together in a sort of Woodstock-of-the-Watt-Hour to take stock of itself and to exchange ideas, sign contracts and maybe have a beer. The most recent parliament of the plug-in was last week in San Diego at an annual industry event known as Plug-In 2013, although obviously they change the year in the title as necessary. Why keep gathering?