The Good Oil: Ride like James Dean

James Dean lived fast and died young in his Spyder. Photo / File

Germany's Porsche could revive the classic two-seater race car 550 Spyder and make it cheaper than the Boxster, says CEO Matthias Mueller. "I can imagine that such a modern version of the famous 'James Dean' Porsche would be well-received by our customers," Mueller told a German newspaper. He said any new version would not be a retro model. "A small, open-top two-seater would be good for us."

Dollar favours do-it-yourselfers

The strength of the NZ dollar against the greenback brings a special Jeep conversion kit into play. Wrangler Unlimited owners in the US can turn their four-door into a pick-up with the Jeep JK-8 kit, selling for US$5499 ($6300). Jeep says any skilled do-it-yourselfer can stitch the pieces on. The conversion includes a steel bed, inner- and outer-bed sides, sport bar extensions and a fibreglass half-top and bulkhead.

Aerodynamic advances for CR-V

The concept version of Honda's new CR-V will be unveiled in Los Angles in September. It points to a new styling direction for the carmaker, with a more aggressive stance and stronger body design. The lower front bumper now integrates more smoothly into the fascia for improved aerodynamics. The CR-V's vertical tail-lights remain but with a more three-dimensional style. The new CR-V also gets more fuel-efficient engines, says Honda. It is expected to go on sale next year.

Facelift preps new Aston Martin model

Aston Martin is working on an extensive facelift for the DB9/DBS before the all-new model appears in 2015. The changes are tipped to arrive next year, first on the higher-end DBS. Design touches are expected to be borrowed from the One-77 supercar, bringing the influence of design boss Marek Reichman to overshadow that of his predecessor, Ian Callum, now at Jaguar. Expect to see a new fascia that ditches the company's trademark shape in favour of a new single-grille opening, coupled with bonnet vents and sharper lines.

Parade to break world records

Barton, Vermont, is the birthplace of Henry Leland, the man behind United States nameplates Cadillac and Lincoln. The town plans to honour its most famous citizen by having a Cadillac parade on August 17 - and it needs 102 Caddys in a row to break the existing world record. General Motors pitched in and paid the Guinness Book of World Records adjudication fee of $7500. Rocker Bruce Springsteen is expected to drive his own Caddy.

Spitfire flypast a tribute to the source

World War II Spitfires will dip their wings in salute over Britain's Goodwood Estate on September 18 during the 75th birthday celebrations of the famous British fighter plane. But why Goodwood, better known for its annual Festival of Speed, a motorsport knees-up? Trees on the estate were felled during the war to make propellers for the Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane, the planes that won the Battle of Britain. The Supermarine Spitfire took its maiden flight in March 1936. More than 20,000 were built before production ended in the 1950s. The 12 Spitfires in the flypast will be the most to take to the skies over Goodwood since the war.

Prius put to test

Toyota in Britain has leased 20 Prius plug-ins to London-based businesses to monitor journey times, speeds, fuel usage and recharging. So far:
* Average journey has been 11.8km, with 59 per cent of all journeys covering between 5-20km.
* Average speed has been 28.6km/h, with 69 per cent of journeys at speeds less than 30km/h.
* Initial fuel consumption indicates performance is 27 per cent better than an equivalent diesel.
* Average recharging time is 72min. Twenty-two per cent of drivers have been able to drive further than the official 20km range in EV mode.
* Electric-powered driving accounted for 33 per cent of kilometres driven.

1000 drivers opt for E-Type high

Jaguar celebrated the E-Type's 50th birthday last Saturday with the Silverstone Classic, a parade around the 5.8km British race circuit of more than 1000 E-Types. The July 23 date tied in perfectly with the E-type story - the first customer car was delivered in July 1961. Supporting the E-Type were C-Types, D-Types, XK120s, XK140s, XK150s and XKRs. A grid of 52 E-Types contested a round of the E-Type Challenge.