Volvo Penta Drive Belt 860388 on 2040-parts.com

Lotus offers supercharger kits for the Elise and the Exige

Lotus enthusiasts looking to wring a little more power out of their rides now have a potent option: a supercharger kit for the Elise and Exige models. The kits boost power in the naturally aspirated versions from about 189 hp to 218 hp and improve torque from 133 lb-ft to 155 lb-ft. Even better, this added power comes on quicker, with peak torque coming on at 5,000 rpm, rather than 6,800 rpm.

Roewe 350 (w/ Gallery)

The Roewe 350 is the first model built atop parent company SAIC's new A-class platform. At first sight, there appears considerable overlap with this latest model and the Roewe 550, but the 350's 2650mm wheelbase and overall length of 4521mm is roughly 100mm shorter than the 550. Read our opinion of the new design in our 2010 Beijing Motor Show Highlights and see more photos in the gallery below.

All used up: Pre-owned sales rise as consumers seek new-car alternatives

Used-car sales took a leap upward in April, and the trend is expected to continue at least until midyear as pent-up demand for affordable pre-owned vehicles jacks up at least one segment of the car marketplace. Sales of new cars continued an unabated slide toward what analysts say is a 30-year low in the United States, but used-car sales showed strength as buyers unable to finance new cars shifted their sights to less expensive used models. As a result, retailers such as the large Penske Automotive Group reported that despite an overall decline in sales in the first three months of 2009, improving used-car sales kept them in the black.