1988 Nissan 300zx Non Turbo Auto Throttle Body on 2040-parts.com

Armor-plated SUV among extravagant debuts at Top Marques Monaco show

While AutoWeek editors were pounding the pavement at the New York auto show last week, the world's silly rich were nodding polite approval at the Top Marques Monaco show. Included in the debuts were Gemballa, Fisker, Keating, Tirrito and Conquest, the latter of which showed off a ridiculously large, armor-plated SUV called the Knight XV that reportedly took organizers three hours just to maneuver it through the hall doors. Lest we forget that we're all human, Top Marques Monaco also had its “Black Friday at Wal-Mart” moments: According to organizers, Gemballa's world premiere of the Tornado was cut short after it was purchased “within 16 seconds of the show doors opening by a sheikh eager to have a piece of the action.” Full wrap-up release from Top Marques Monaco below.

July 26: Seeing rally stars and range anxiety

Went 59.5 miles on 12 kWhs for almost 5 miles per kWh, which ain't bad. Included stop-and-go driving on Sunset Blvd. after dinner with X Games rally stars Travis Pastrana, Dave Mirra and skateboarder Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins.

Vauxhall Cascada Convertible: Aimed at hairdressers?

Vauxhall are teasing a new convertible – the Vauxhall Cascada – that appears to be Astra based but stretched and pushed upmarket. We knew Vauxhall (and Opel, for that matter), were planning a replacement for the Astra Twin Top which we guessed would be the new Astrra Cabrio. But it’s not, it’s the Vauxhall Cascada.