1957 Plymouth Radio Original Mopar Rare on 2040-parts.com

One Lap of the Web: Mock the Week Edition

-- Mazda Europe designer Peter Birthwhistle talks about the future of Mazda: potential hybrid and electric powertrains for the Skyactiv-obsessed company, and how we'll all be driving Mazda-branded pods in the 22nd century. But he also mentions, rather interestingly, how certain Mazdas capture a quintessentially long-hood, RWD look -- and not just the Miata, either, which is RWD. No, it's the exhaust systems on those Skyactiv engines that force a longer, larger hood compartment, and the "long, flowing looks" not usually found on FWD engines.

Official: UK car production is booming

Nearly 10% MORE cars were produced in the UK this September compared to the same time last year, data released today from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed What’s more, 1,125,433 cars were manufactured in the UK by the end of the month – that’s a 3.9% rise compared to 2012. September new car sales beat forecasts UK car sales hit four year high in 2012 This means UK car production has returned to pre-recession levels. The rolling 12-month total has now topped 1.5 million vehicles.

Toyota recalls Lexus cars for fuel-system fixes

Toyota Motor Corp., struggling to restore its reputation for top quality, on Wednesday recalled nearly 1.7 million vehicles globally for a variety of fuel system related problems, including 245,000 Lexus IS and Lexus GS sedans in the United States. The North American vehicles are being called back to inspect for possibly faulty installation of fuel pressure sensors. In cases where the sensor is not fastened tightly enough, fuel can leak between the gasket that connects the sensor to the fuel delivery pipes, Toyota said.