1931 Plymouth/desoto Inside Door Handle Esctheons (three) on 2040-parts.com

Expert: Fisker Karma's engine packaging, not batteries, likely caused fire

A garage fire last week in suburban Houston has been linked to a Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid, but the company quickly noted that the battery remained intact and unplugged -- and did not appear to be the cause. But if not the battery, then what? More likely, poor packaging in the engine compartment and exhaust routing generated excess heat.

Concept Car of the Week: Alfa Romeo Disco Volante (1952)

In 1951, straight after winning the F1 championship, Alfa Romeo surprisingly retired from racing. The tough post-war financial situation led the Italian brand to focus its investments towards more profitable projects such as the 1900 Berlina. The competition department stayed open on the condition of delivering a brand-boosting racecar for participation in the 1952 Le Mans and Mille Miglia races.

2014 Jaguar F-Type video teaser drops ahead of Paris motor show

Readers have spotted both V6- and V8-powered examples of the upcoming Jaguar F-Type hiding in plain sight in the western United States. Spy photos might not satisfy our craving for detailed specifications on the sleek roadster—we won't know much more until the car debuts at the 2012 Paris motor show—but they have convinced us that the new Jaguar will be pleasing to the eye. The above teaser video suggests that the F-Type will be as attractive in motion as it is in still photos.