Porsche Boxster Spyder

Our spy photographers have once again spotted the 2012 Porsche Boxster, with the latest images giving us the best look yet at the upcoming drop top. The Boxster has dropped some camouflage and also added some real body parts — even if the rear lights are still fake.

Although it might look like the current model at first sight, upon closer inspection, one can see that every panel – and the canvas top – are all new. The new model will also be significantly lighter than the current car, with the promise that the next Boxster will be the “most economical Porsche ever.”

We don’t have confirmation on powerplant information yet, but we’re counting on both “Boxster” and “Boxster S” offerings. However, early reports suggest the Boxster will make the switch to a four-cylinder engine with forced induction a distinct possibility. We also expect the current 2.9-liter flat-six with 255 horsepower, and the 3.4-liter direct-injected flat-six to be carried over, albeit most likely after minor performance tweaks for a few more ponies.

Toyota Camry SE

couple of nights in the Camry were fine, but nothing to write home about. The looks didn't do much for me, the interior was fine and the power was just OK. I know lots of people buy Camrys, but I can't say this car would be at the top of my list of midsize four-doors, especially given the sticker price.

At times, it felt like there was a period of hesitation to get up to speed, especially in passing. There was good legroom throughout, but I couldn't seem to get the driver's seat in a comfortable enough position, which I didn't like. I felt like I was sitting too far away.

For running around, and for toting along a family, I guess I can see why people flock to this car. I just wouldn't be one of them.

2010 Toyota Camry SE

Base Price: $23,915

As-Tested Price: $28,475

Drivetrain: 2.5-liter I4; FWD, six-speed automatic

Output: 179 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 171 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,329 lb

Fuel Economy: (EPA/AW) 26/26.2 mpg

Options: Voice activated DVD navigation system including integrated backup camera, premium sound, MP3/WMA playback, auxiliary audio jack, hands-free phone capability, streaming music, eight speakers ($2,820); moonroof package including power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, rear personal reading lights ($890); smart key with push button start ($450); color-keyed rear lip spoiler ($200); carpet/trunk mat set ($200)

OES Genuine Front Catalytic Converter Gasket

OES Genuine Front Catalytic Converter Gasket
Part Number: W0133-1652565
Manufacturer Number: W0133-1652565
OES Genuine Catalytic Converter Gasket OES Genuine Catalytic Converter Gasket
List Price: $9.38
Our Price: $7.95
You Save: $1.43
Info/Buy
Warranty: 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty
Location: Front

Chevrolet Cruze ECO

2011 Chevrolet Cruze ECO

Chevrolet starts delivering the Cruze sedan in the US this September at a minimum price of US$16,995 for the baseline LS trim, including destination. Coupled with this model is a 1.8-litre Ecotec engine making 103kW (138 bhp/ 140 PS), a 6-speed manual transmission, 10 airbags, traction control, ABS, air conditioning, power windows and a host of other features.

Other models include the LT with a 1.4-litre Ecotec turbo engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and 16-inch wheels; the Eco model starts at US$18,895 and features 17-inch alloys, ultra low-rolling resistance tyres and an expected 40 mpg on the highway, as well as the features-packed LZT starting at US$22,695.

A list of options including a 40 GB hard drive, a Pioneer sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, heated leather seats and rear park assist can be ticket off the menu before purchase.

Auto Trader GM Pays Back Remaining $5.8 Billion in Loans to U.S. and Canada

Good news to all you GM investors out there: the General has just wrapped-up paying back its US Treasury / Export Development Canada loans while also investing $257 million in prepping its Malibu plants in Fairfax, Kansas (primary) and Detroit Hamtramck (secondary).

The total payment was $5.8 billion ($4.7 bilion to the US and the remaining $1.1 billion to Canada). According to a report from Automotive News, "the governments still own equity stakes in GM."

GM CEO Ed Whitacre had this to say: "GM's ability to pay back the loans ahead of schedule is a sign that our plan is working, and that we are on the right track. It is also an important first step toward allowing our stockholders to reduce their equity investments in GM."

That said, it should be noted GM's March sales are up 36% from the previous year, thanks to popular crossover models throughout the range (Equinox, Traverse, Terrain, Acadia, SRX), the 5th-generation Camaro, and the mid-size Malibu and Lacrosse (with a 58% growth in deliveries for the first quarter of 2010).

For a breakdown of what's being built where, scroll down for an excerpt from the press release.

"Fairfax will become the primary source for the next generation of the Malibu. Detroit Hamtramck, which builds the Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS [being "wound down"], will be equipped to build the Malibu as well, ensuring that Chevrolet can meet market demand.

Detroit Hamtramck will also build the Chevy Volt electric vehicle with extended range, which launches this year. On March 31, the plant celebrated a major milestone, the building of the first pre-production Volt on the regular assembly line.

The Malibu-related investments of $136 million in Fairfax and $121 million in Detroit Hamtramck will include facilities, machinery and equipment, and tools."

Audi Owner Rebadges TT Coupe as a Volkswagen

At a first glance, few would guess that the first generation Audi TT shares a platform, engine and most of its mechanics with parent company Volkswagen's Golf as well as the VW Jetta, New Beetle, Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia etc., etc.

Call it down right honesty, call it stupid, you know, call it whatever, but the owner of this 2000 model year Audi TT Coupe, which is up for sale on eBay, had no problem at all replacing Ingolstadt's four-ring logos with the VW badge. He even went as far as adding a couple of VW emblems on the seats.

"I just added Volkswagen logos around to make it look different, since they are the same company," said the eBay with a sincerity that could do with a good a dose of self-irony. More pics for your enjoyment after the jump.

Kudos to Marcus for the tip! , Link: eBay

Highlights of the exhibit

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., together with AUTECH Japan and Nissan Motorsports International Co. Ltd. will present 9 exciting models equipped with the latest custom and after-market parts in the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2010 with NAPAC (Japan Car Parts and Aftermarket Promotion Association), to be held from January 15-17, 2010 at Makuhari Messe.

Nissan will showcase its transporter and hospitality cars used during it’s participation in the domestic racing series, recreating the exciting atmosphere of the race circuit. Included in this display is Nissan’s range of standard road cars stylized with the latest genuine aero body-kits that compliments the vehicles pure form. Autech will show its expertise in custom cars with its fun and relaxing Rider Series while NISMO will be presenting its NISMO Club Sports Package Custom, the 2010 Nissan GT-R equipped with the newly-developed “NISMO Data Logger Kit” and the XANAVI NISMO GT-R racecar that competed in the 2008 SUPER GT series.

Highlights of the exhibit

Nissan area
	Roox Highway Star Urban Selection A distinctive, stylishly finished premium model based on the Roox, a light vehicle launched for sale in December, equipped with third-party custom parts such as an advanced HDD navigation system, lighting components with custom exterior, and stylized cabin interior.
	Skyline Sporty Package-equipped car This minor modification to the Skyline Sedan announced on January 6 raises the vehicle to a whole new level as a sports car. The model’s package includes a sporty aero body-kit, a sports muffler, and high-performance suspension.
	Skyline Coupe Sporty Package-equipped car Exhibited during the 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon as a concept, this custom car has an aggressively designed aero-body kit that give out a sporty feel. It is now available to the public.
Autech Japan Area Rider Series Autech Japan takes its Rider Series of custom cars, known for its punchy aeroform coating and emblematic front grill design, to a new level and incorporates the latest HDD navigation system into it.
	‘Cube Rider Plus Navi HDD’
	‘Note Rider Plus Navi HDD’
	‘Serena Rider Plus Navi HDD’
NISMO area
	Nissan GT-R 2010 Model: Featuring the NISMO Club Sports Package The “NISMO Club Sports Package” is the fusion of Nissan GT-R and NISMO technologies — a package boasting a high level of sports performance. The Nissan GT-R 2010 model also includes the newly developed “NISMO Data Logger Kit”, which makes it possible for the driver to download their driving data via USB and view it on a computer. With this data logger kit, NISMO provides a new driving pleasure in which the driver has a full complement of options to analyze driving data acquired at the driving circuit.
	XANAVI NISMO GT-R (2008 SUPER GT GT500 class: Drivers’ Championship winning car) Presenting the car that Satoshi Motoyama / Benoît Treluyer used to win three races (including two victories in a row) in the 2008 SUPER GT. This racing car took home the series’ championship in its debut year.
	FAIRLADY Z Version NISMO Continuing in the spirit of the previous Z33 model Fairlady Z, this model builds onto the Fairlady Z’s high level of driving performance with added fun and sporty functionality.
NISSAN/NISMO collection booth
	Nissan official merchandise, under the Fairlady Z, Nissan GT-R and NISMO motorsport range are available. Limited editions (996 pcs.) of the 1/64 scale model of the “XANAVI NISMO GT-R (#23, the 2008 SUPER GT Championship-winning machine) will also be on sale at this year’s event.

German tuner Racing Dynamics knows what it's going to do to the car when you can

You can't buy the 2011 BMW 5 Series yet, but German tuner Racing Dynamics knows what it's going to do to the car when you can. Opt for the 535i and you'll take delivery of a sedan turned into an R35, pulled by a turbocharged six that's got a 104-horsepower bump to 410 along with 385 pound-feet of torque. It will get to 60 miles per hour nearly a second faster than the standard 535i.

But if you can, why not take the R50S? That's a 550i taken from 407 ponies and boosted up to 620 horsepower. Controlling that oomph will be a Racing Dynamics sport suspension, locking rear differential, and a brake system with slotted discs that can handle 800 degrees Celsius. Making it sound good will be a new exhaust, and making it look good will be a minimal bodykit featuring a pair of dual pipes and 21-inch forged wheels.