Evinrude E-tec Tachometer on 2040-parts.com

Lexus at the Paris motor show 2008

By Gavin Green Motor Shows 02 October 2008 20:08 A coupe/cabriolet version of the appealing IS250 was Lexus’s highlight at Paris. Its three-piece folding metal roof completes its gymnastics in just 20 seconds before folding flat in the cavernous boot. All very well, but the ugly rear end totally undermines any showroom appeal.

Social media could put your car at risk of theft

USING TWITTER, Facebook and other social media could alert thieves to you being out of your house and allow them to break in to take keys and steal your car. The threat of thieves using Twitter to spot car owners who are out for the night or on holiday has been highlighted by Tracker, a company that specialises in stolen vehicle recovery. Its Police Relationships Manager Stuart Chapman said: ‘The changing face of car theft means that owners have to take more precautions than they would a few years ago.

Toyota Avalon [w/gallery]

Toyota has revealed more details and pictures of its Avalon sedan, first seen at last year's New York auto show. The Avalon, designed at the carmaker's Calty design studio, offers a glimpse of Toyota's new emphasis on design and to help reposition its flagship sedan within the premium mid-size segment. The height has been reduced by 25 mm while the overhangs have been reduced by 15 mm at the front and 45 mm at the rear.