1996 Mariner 225 Super Magnum (2.5l) on 2040-parts.com

Europe's Car of the Year 2011 shortlist announced

The 41 contenders for Europe's 2011 Car of the Year trophy have been whittled down to the final seven as the European CoTY shortlist is announced today. The winner will be voted for by 59 of Europe's most influential motoring journalists, including two CAR writers: editor Phil McNamara and European editor Georg Kacher. The 2010 winner - by just 10 points ahead of the Toyota iQ - was the Volkswagen Polo. Like the Eurovision Song Contest, Car of the Year has proved controversial in the past with accusations of block-voting and blind patriotism, yet the award remains one of the most prestigious in the motor industry.

Kjell Qvale, 1919-2013

The automotive world lost a legend over the weekend, with Kjell "Mr. Q" Qvale's passing at the age of 94. While a handful of people may remember him for the recent sports car that bore his name, Norwegian-born Qvale got his start in the automotive business decades prior, after his service as a pilot in the U.S.

VW 'to announce its WRC entry' at Rally Sardinia

VW Polo R WRC (2011): Volkswagen enter the WRC High-level sources in an existing World Rally Championship team have told CAR that Volkswagen will formally announce its decision to enter the WRC at Rally Sardinia, which starts on 5 May 2011, somewhat stealing the thunder of Mini’s WRC debut. It’s believed that sister firm Skoda’s Fabia Intercontinental Rally Challenge car will be used as the first step in development. This car currently runs to the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated S2000 rules, so one of the first steps will be to switch to a 1.6-litre turbo.