Rich Porter Tech C-599 Ignition Coil on 2040-parts.com

2013 VW Beetle Convertible arrives

The new 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible has been revealed ahead of a launch at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The new Beetle Convertible is due to bow in at the LA Auto Show in November  but VW obviously decided it was pragmatic to get an early reveal out of the way before the new Bug soft top trickled on to the Interwebs of its own accord. What we get is what we expected (although we did hold out a little hope the new Beetle Cabriolet would look more like the E-Bugster Cabriolet Concept); a convertible version of the 2012 Beetle with a pram style soft top that sits on the boot.

Barrett-Jackson to auction commemorative Z06 Corvette for museum fundraiser

In honor of the Chevrolet Corvette's inaugural appearance and victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans some 50 years ago, Chevrolet built a special 2011 Corvette Z06 wearing the same paint scheme--Arctic White paint, blue stripes and the number "3"--to pay tribute to the class-winning 1960 Cunningham Corvette. Chevrolet and the General Motors Design Center built and added several special one-off features for this car, which has vehicle identification number 001: -- Competition Gray headlamps, mirrors and wheels -- Special 50th-anniversary of Le Mans racing logos -- Blue brake calipers -- Z07 performance package with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes -- 19-inch front/20-inch rear 20-spoke Competition Gray wheels with Michelin PS2 tires -- Magnetic Selective Ride Control -- Black carbon-fiber front splitter and rockers -- ZR1-style rear spoiler -- Ebony leather-wrapped interior with Competition Gray trim -- Carbon-fiber fenders and floor panels Corvette Racing fans will recognize the special-edition Z06 as a participant in the Legends of Le Mans event at Laguna Seca in 2010. Driven by Corvette Racing legend Ron Fellows, the Z06 was accompanied by the 1960 Cunningham, the 1967 Bondurant/Guldstrand, the 1973 BF Goodrich and the C6.R GT2 Corvettes for a parade lap on the track.

Apple's Siri to invade cars within one year

The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2012 was under way on Monday at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, where Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced that the Siri personal assistant will soon be in the car. According to Cook, within the next 12 months, drivers will be able to hit a button on the steering wheel and connect with that disembodied voice from the commercials. BMW, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, Chrysler and Honda have all signed on for the experience.