Crown Automotive 4636777 Brake Small Parts Kit on 2040-parts.com

Shortages of Japan-built cars open the door for U.S. automakers

U.S. carmakers sense that they have a chance to win back customers this summer with the launch of several redesigned models, while their Japanese competitors struggle with supply shortages. About 197,000 car buyers who typically would favor a Japanese brand are in play this summer, according to market research firm A.T.

BMW set to debut diesel 7-series in the US

While Mercedes-Benz has let us Americans buy diesel versions of its flagship sedan from time to time, BMW has kept a number of versions of the 7-series from our shores, among which are 7-series sedans with diesel engines. Well, it looks like we'll finally be getting a diesel 7-series after all, with the arrival of the 740Ld later this spring. The 740Ld will be powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine with a single turbocharger with variable vane turbine technology, making 255-hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, and will be coupled exclusively with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system.

Lotus makes double debuts at Pebble Beach

Lotus has a big presence at this week's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance events, with the Evora GTE Road Car concept making its world premiere and the limited-production Matte Black Final Edition of the Exige making a U.S. debut. The Lotus Evora GTE Road Car concept will be shown for the first time at the McCall's Motorworks Revival event on Wednesday night at the Monterey Jet Center.