1960 Ford Falcon Ranchero Steering Wheel on 2040-parts.com

Renault is reviving the Gordini name for high-performance models

They don't sell Renaults in the United States anymore, but it's worth noting that the French automaker is reviving the Gordini name for high-performance versions of the Twingo and the Clio. The name pays homage to Amedee Gordini, a mechanical whiz known as "the sorcerer" for taking production-car engines and making them competitive on the great racetracks of Europe. The Gordini versions of the Twingo and the Clio will wear the trademark light blue paint with a pair of white stripes running from nose to tail and centered over the driver.

Rethinking Scion: Quirky goes mainstream so brand adapts with a sporty coupe, hip music

If Toyota's Scion youth brand had stuck to its original premise, the third generation of the boxy xB would be rolling into showrooms today. As envisioned by Toyota, Scion products would be quirky, uber-cool and not around long enough to get stale. Its first-edition products were replaced after just four years.

GM donates Insignia prototype to Coventry University

Though the cloud of uncertainty is currently looming over General Motors' Opel and Vauxhall brands, the economic climate hasn't deterred its Vauxhall division from showing a bit of generosity. Recognizing the burgeoning talent at one of the UK's leading design schools, the British arm of the American automotive giant recently offered car design students from Coventry's School of Art & Design an Insignia prototype, which will be used for 'real life' styling exercises. "We are delighted that Vauxhall has chosen to donate this vehicle to the university for our students to work with.