Volkswagen Golf Jetta 1.8" Drop Blue Suspension Lowering Springs Kit on 2040-parts.com

Toyota recalls 370,000 Sienna minivans for spare-tire problem

Toyota is recalling certain Sienna minivans manufactured between 2004 and 2011 and sold in 20 northern and Midwestern states and the District of Columbia. The problem is a spare-tire carrier cable that may disintegrate over time due to rust, causing the tire to fall away. A total of 370,000 Sienna models are a part of this recall.

Infographic: How much clay do Ford’s design studios use each year?

Ford has offered an insight into its clay modeling processes with a series of videos and an infographic that charts the process involved in turning a designer's sketch into a full-size model. The infographic uses data taken from all of Ford's global design studios in 2012 to give an idea of how much clay is used in a year, plus how much paint and di-noc film is used to cover each model. Ford has also released a video that gives a behind-the-scenes look at the firm's clay modeling studio in Merkenich, Germany, including interviews with members of the modeling team.

Driven: Lexus IS-F

The Lexus IS-F is a significant new design for one core reason: it introduces a performance sub-brand parallel to that of the M-cars from BMW, AMG from Mercedes-Benz, and the S and RS sub-brands from Audi. This then is Lexus making a logical next step to further encroach on the established German premium brands. BMW originated the premium brands' performance sub-brand with the 'M for Motorsport' M3 of 1986 (the M1 supercar of 1978 preceded that, but was a singular model, not a performance derivative).