Yamaha Big Bear 400 Left Foot Peg Shifter on 2040-parts.com

Tesla increases Roadster production

By Nick Eaton Motor Industry 11 September 2008 11:30 Tesla Motors is about to ramp up production of its Roadster, having secured supply of a new single-speed gearbox from BorgWarner. Tesla began producing the Roadster in March 2008, but all 27 cars so far delivered to customers have effectively been interim models because the original two-speed ‘box was deemed too fragile for long-term use. The original thinking was that the Roadster would require two gears to achieve the best possible acceleration, and on that point Tesla was right.

Subaru BRZ Turbo to get 280bhp

The much hoped for Subaru BRZ Turbo – the Subaru version of the Toyota GT86 – is set to arrive in 2014 with 280bhp. Last year we reported that a Subaru BRZ Turbo was in the planning (even though the official line was that the BRZ and GT86 would stick with natural aspiration) and now it looks like development is well advanced and the BRZ Turbo will arrive in 2014. Automotive News are reporting that Subaru are working hard on a turbocharged direct injection version of the BRZ with a single twin-scroll turbo they’ve developed in-house, as opposed to the port injection system currently used in the BTZ, which is a Toyota system.

Nissan Juke Nismo to debut at Le Mans

It's no Juke-R, but the more reasonable Nissan Juke Nismo will make its world debut at Le Mans this weekend. It seems only fitting, considering Nissan is providing power for a quarter of the field at the famous race. The Juke will get an enhanced version of the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine as well as some body and suspension work.