Michigan Wheel Vortex Boat Prop Co4-13 on 2040-parts.com

7 performance cars for less than $30,000 part two: Honda Civic Si vs. Volkswagen GTI

It's hard to fathom, but it's been more than a decade since the peak of the sport-compact craze saw modified Honda Civics cluttering the streets. Enthusiasts salivated over a Type R that wasn't (and still isn't) available on our shores, instead having to settle for the Si. Fast-forward to today and the debut of the ninth-generation Civic for the 2012 model year brings a new Si.

McLaren MP4-12C High Sport – a very special MP4-12C

The five McLaren MP4-12C High Sports created for one customer McLaren has produced a very special run of just five MP4-12C cars with cosmetic and power upgrades – the McLaren MP4-12C. Those who’ve driven the McLaren MP4-12C all say the same thing; it’s the most civilised supercar on the planet. That may not suit the small minority looking for foibles in their supercar, but for those who want awesome power and  stunning build quality in a car that cossets and soothes when you hair’s not on fire, the MP4-12C is a stunning choice.

Zhong Boguang: China's first generation auto designer

Zhong Boguang is one of the first designers to emerge in a country that has seen its importance augment considerably in recent times. But well before China became the biggest market for motor vehicles in the world, Boguang was obsessed with the pursuit of his car design dreams. During his 34-year career, he was involved in and witnessed the development of the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), served as chief designer for China's first rotary engine cars and MPVs, been the design manager for the technology center in the first domestic automotive joint venture, and was the first person to launch strategic research in domestic automotive design.