Ferrari Testarossa Exhaust System Gasket 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.

Ferrari F450: Last one to be auctioned Sunday to benefit earthquake victims

In an auction featuring some of the rarest, fastest and most head-turning Ferraris ever, a brand-new F430 may be the show-stealer. The Prancing Horse said Wednesday that it is auctioning off the very last F430 to roll off the Maranello production lines at the end of the year to raise money to rebuild the central Italian region of Abruzzo, which was devastated by an earthquake on April 6. Ferrari will work with local authorities to distribute the funds.

Arsenal stars team up to test new Citroen

THE CITROEN C4 Grand Picasso has been run through its paces in a new video featuring some of the stars from Arsenal Football Club. Striker Olivier Giroud, midfield man Santi Cazorla, defensive supremo Per Mertesacker and the safe hands of Wojciech Szczęsny teamed up to headline a football-themed test of the car’s new features. They highlight the wide door and boot openings with a spot of free-kick and goalkeeping practice, before 1.98-metre Mertesacker lies along the length of the available load space with all six passenger seats folded down.