1968-1969 Corvette on 2040-parts.com

Concept Car of the Week: Chevrolet Astro (1967)

It gave its name to a boxy van in the 80s, but the Chevrolet Astro I was one of the most exciting dream cars developed within the GM styling studio. Presented in New York Auto Show in 1967, it was the first of three Astro concepts shown in annual succession and illustrates GM's desire to develop models that were both aerodynamic and attractive. What we might take for granted in aerodynamics nowadays was almost untouched territory in the mid ‘60s.

Mercedes-Benz prepares CLC Shooting Brake

Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche has given approval for a second Shooting Brake model to accompany the brand's eagerly awaited CLS Shooting Brake due out in 2012, according to German media reports. The new model is expected to go on sale in North America in 2014. It's based on the German carmaker's upcoming CLC--a four-door coupe that uses a new platform that will offer buyers a stylish but practical rival to the likes of the Audi A5 Sportback and the upcoming BMW 3-series GT.

The Jaguar F-Type's a closet Star Wars geek

Our friends over at Jalopnik are currently at Jaguar F-Type media event over in Seattle, where they had a chance to catch up with its design Wayne Burgess (check out our full interview with him here), who revealed some interesting sources of inspiration for some of its detailing. The first is a real easter egg - a detail that once you've discovered it you can't help but see - the front lamp cans are based on Star Wars' TIE Fighter. What has been seen can not be unseen.