Quicksilver Pulley Me832823-3 on 2040-parts.com

Japan automakers extend shutdowns as quake impact widens

Japan's seven big automakers are extending nationwide production shutdowns amid growing concern about supply chain interruptions, power shortages and export difficulties following the massive earthquake and tsunami that hammered northern Japan, killing thousands. Toyota Motor Corp., one of the few automakers with a major manufacturing presence in the quake zone, suspended all manufacturing--at both assembly and parts plants--on Monday and extended the shutdown through at least Wednesday as an added precaution. The company will lose output of roughly 40,000 vehicles over the three-day period, spokesman Dion Corbett said.

Audi Urban: Design Miami

Audi’s Urban Future program continues with the ‘Design Miami: Streets without limits’ piece. Designed by architect Bjarke Ingels, the digital street has been created for the forthcoming Design Miami 2011 exhibition. Originally penned back in 2010 for the Audi Urban Future Award architecture competition, Bjarke Ingels Group have now tweaked their original submission into a three-dimensional LED installation. Depicting a street without limits, the installation shows a scenario of the future where functionality can change to prioritize pedestrians or traffic.

One Lap of the Web: Small cars, thrifty cars and AWESOME cars

-- In Mexico, Chevrolet launched a special version of the Spark called the Dot Edition. It has dots on the hood, roof, and bumper. That says it all, really.