Alfa Romeo Oil Pan Protector on 2040-parts.com

One Lap of the Web: Packards -- Ask the man who knows way too much about one

-- For some light Wednesday reading, here's more information than you ever wanted to know about Packard. It includes the horrible neoclassics that plagued the 1970s, and the 1995 revival of the Packard name that attempted to stick a shortened rendition of the famous Packard grille in front of a 440-hp V12, all wrapped in a shape that looked like a melted Twix, as shown above. Our august associate editor Graham Kozak owns a Packard, so he could have filled us in on the details.

Umea Institute of Design degree show 2010

Earlier this month, Car Design News attended Umea University's annual degree show. Covering student work from the MA Interaction Design, Advanced Product Design and Transport Design programs and the BA Industrial Design program, it was the first exhibition overseen by Umea's new Rector, Anna Valtonen, formerly head of Design Research & Foresight at Nokia. In a departure from the show's traditional format, this year saw keynotes and workshops spread over two days.

Aston Martin to bring back Lagonda

ASTON MARTIN is bringing back the Lagonda name, with the super saloon being offered for sale by invitation only. To be built at the company's plant at Gaydon in Warwickshire, the new car will be inspired by the Lagonda of 1976. Aston Martin is currently giving no indication of what the new Lagonda will cost other than saying that the price will be "commensurate with the car's exclusivity, quality and luxurious nature".