1978-79 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser Front Quarter Panel Emblem Ornament & Trim on 2040-parts.com

JUNKER KEEPER: Federal database tracks totaled vehicles, clunkers

First, it was the hurricane-damaged used cars flooding the market. Now, it’s the clunkers turned in--and supposedly junked--as part of the federal Cars Allowance Rebate System “cash for clunkers” program. Following Hurricane Katrina, cars declared as total losses in one state were able to get clean titles in other states and were resold to unsuspecting consumers.

Fiat 500X Crossover teased on video – debuts at Paris Motor Show

Fiat 500X Crossover teased on video – debuts at Paris Motor Show Just like MINI, Fiat has taken the retro-revival of the 500 way beyond the original, and now the latest take on the 500, and Fiat’s answer to the All4 MINI Countryman, is about to arrive – the Fiat 500X. The Fiat 500X is a butch take on the Fiat 500L, but the first (leaked) photo of the 500X (above) does show a car that’s less boxy than the 500L. Frankly, the video tease Fiat has released doesn’t show as much as the leaked photo, but instead focuses on teasing the 500X’s detail in between shots of a young woman playing on a swing.

GM looks to drop some weight with magnesium

Like many Americans, carmakers are on a continuing quest to lose weight. Less weight, which equals better fuel economy without a loss in performance, is a key selling point in dealerships. Weight loss is a key factor for two upcoming launches from General Motors--the redesigned full-size pickups and SUVs, and the redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Corvette.