1 Bridgestone Dueler H/t 840 265/70/17 Tire (z23274) on 2040-parts.com

Ford reportedly to shut down Mercury

The Mercury brand, rumored to be on the verge of death several times over the past decade, would be shut down under a plan being prepared for Ford Motor Co.'s board of directors, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. Citing two executives who have knowledge of the plan but asked not to be identified, the news service said the plan would be submitted to Ford's board in July. How quickly Mercury would be shut down depends how quickly the automaker can convince Lincoln Mercury dealers to close or merge with a Ford-brand dealership, the report said.

Hyundai Curb concept

Hyundai has teased its NAIAS concept, the Curb, ahead of its official unveiling next week, where it will debut alongside a production version of the company's Veloster coupe. The Curb is a compact crossover with a coupe roofline, tapered DLO and exaggerated wheel arches reminiscent of the Nissan Juke, and is similarly difficult to judge in terms of scale from these images. While its exterior appears production feasible, the Curb's interior would seem to live up to its 'concept' billing, with extensive use of smart materials and touchscreen HMI.

Autoweek's Editors' Choice from the 2012 Paris motor show

Supercars lit up the City of Light as horsepower and performance took center stage at the 2012 Paris motor show, even as Europe's economic woes cast a dark shadow over the proceedings. Traditionally one of the most dazzling events on the automotive calendar, the show delivered again this year with extravagant reveals. While emissions and fuel economy remain crucial issues, the spotlight Paris debuts subscribed to a higher creed of performance.