1960's Honest Charley's Steering Wheel Wood Rat Rod on 2040-parts.com

Crunch watch July 09: the auto industry in crisis

By Tim Pollard, Ben Pulman, Ben Whitworth and Alex Michaelides Motor Industry 31 July 2009 11:23 Welcome to CAR's news aggregator as we round up the seismic change in the auto industry. Top tip: news summaries are added from the top hour-by-hour  Friday 31 July 2009• Lamborghini today posted pre-tax profits of €5.4 million – despite a sales drop of 37% in the first six months of 2009. Sant'Agata said turnover hit €156.9m in the first half (down 43%) as it sold 825 cars globally (Lamborghini)• British motorists could have to pay £250 in tax to park at work from 2012.

Audi A3 (2012) UK pricing announced

Audi has priced up the third generation A3 hatchback, due to go on sale in September 2012. With the range starting at £19,205 and rising to £26,560 - before you've tackled Audi's infamous options list - the new A3 looks to be gunning straight for the new BMW 1-series. How does the new Audi A3 model range shape up?

Nissan 370Z Roadster (2009): full official photos

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 07 April 2009 22:01 Nissan has released its full official photos of the new 370Z Roadster in New York ahead of its debut at the 2009 auto show. As expected, it's a straightforward decapitation of the thrill-seeking 370Z Coupe, with a good, old-fashioned canvas soft-top in keeping with the Zed's no-nonsense character.There's structural reinforcement in the A-pillars and side sills to counter the lack of roof, but Nissan says numerous body panels are made from aluminium to keep weight in check. The bonnet, door panels and bootlid are all crafted from the lightweight metal and there are individual, fixed roll bars behind each seat.Providing the fun is the 327bhp/270lb ft 3.7-litre V6 with variable valve lift and the choice of a seven-speed auto or six-speed manual transmission.