Shoreline Marine Seat Base Brushed Finish Ss on 2040-parts.com

Skoda reveals 2013 model offensive & extends new Skoda badge rollout

Skoda has revealed it is to launch six new models during 2013 and is also busy extending the rollout of its new badges across the Skoda range. Skoda has laid out its stall for 2013 early on, with a graphic posted on their Facebook page revealing new model plans for 2013 – all six of them. First out of the gate is the 2013 Skoda Rapid – which arrives this month – followed by the Skoda Octavia Hatch in March and the Octavia Estate in June.

The AutoWeek list: Top all-time convertibles for driving fun

With the first few days of summer behind us, we got to thinking about our favorite summer pastimes. Clearly they include barbecue grilling, eating ice cream and taking long drives with the top down (the cars', not ours). It's time to contemplate the top convertible rides of all time might be.

BMW 5-series is in line for the company's new triturbo diesel engine

Details leaked from a dealer conference held in Holland this week suggest that BMW's upcoming 550dX will be the first recipient of the German carmaker's new high-tech triturbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine. The new engine, which also is destined for the new X5 xDrive50d and X6 xDrive50d models, is claimed to produce 376 hp and more than 516 lb-ft of torque--some 70 hp and more than 74 lb-ft more than the most powerful version of BMW's existing twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine, as found in the X5 xDrive40d. The radical new engine, which is rumored to use two traditional exhaust-blown turbochargers in combination with an electrically driven turbocharger to add low-end response, is planned to be offered exclusively with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.