T3 T3/t4 (5 Bolts) Turbo Downpipe Mild Steel 2.5" Center Flange W/ Gasket on 2040-parts.com

CAR's review of 2009: the cars that die

It’s been out with the old for a host of models in 2009, some provoking misty-eyed fond farewells, some told not to let the factory door hit them on the bumper on the way out. We pick the saddest and happiest goodbyes of the year. A sculpted drop-top with rear-wheel drive and a frantically schizophrenic VTEC engine.  What’s not to like?

BMW Zagato Coupe revealed at Villa D’Este

BMW Zagato Coupe The BMW Zagato Coupe – a one-off concept BMW designed by Zagato – has been revealed at the  Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Whilst we’re busy keeping a watchful eye out for the arrival of the new Aston Martin DBS at the  Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este this weekend, up pops a one-off concept from event sponsors BMW – the BMW Zagato Coupe. Looking like a BMW Z4 with Italian panache in spades (which is what we expect it to be under the skin – BMW aren’t saying) it looks like Aston Martin will have extra competition in the Concept Car category this weekend from BMW with the Zagato Coupe.

Bloodhound 1000mph World Speed Record attempt goes carbon neutral. Piffle.

Richard Noble’s Bloodhound Land Speed Record attempt will now be carbon neutral thanks to sponsorship by Carbon Neutral Investments (CNI). People like Richard Noble – leader of the Bloodhound Project aiming to break the 1000mph land speed record – are made of the same stuff as Spitfire pilots and Biggles, with a gung-ho approach to the inherent dangers and an inability to contemplate failure; British Bulldog Spirit at its best. So it seems almost sad that a proper Boy’s Own adventure like the Bloodhound SSC – a 133,000bhp rocket and jet powered racing car – should bow to trendy PC sensibilities by announcing it’s a ‘Carbon Neutral’ project.