Mercruiser Exhaust Elbow Pre-alpha J Pipe 45530 45530a2 53272a5 120/140/160/165 on 2040-parts.com

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.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage and DBS Carbon Black Editions: first official pictures

Aston Martin has unveiled rather aggressive-looking special versions of its V12 Vantage and DBS supercars, under the Carbon Black Edition banner. No prizes for guessing they're black and laced with carbonfibre trinkets. The Carbon Black Edition V12 Vantage and DBS are coated with black metallic paint that takes 50 man-hours to apply, says Aston.

Kia K9 sedan introduced to South Korea

The Kia K9 sedan went on sale in South Korea on Wednesday. Kia's first rear-wheel-drive vehicle comes equipped with a V6 and an eight-speed transmission. The K9 also introduces some features for Kia that will trickle down to other models.