Auto Meter 8003 Gt Series; Mechanical Boost/vacuum Gauge on 2040-parts.com

Concept Car of the Week: Dodge M4S PPG Turbo Interceptor (1985)

As a major paint supplier of Detroit's big three, PPG would commission every year a car to be used as a pace car in the Indy Car World Series. In 1984 Chrysler began the development of a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive car using an experimental powertrain. To avoid the costs of creating a whole new chassis, the M4S is based on a modified Huffaker tubular chassis with full roll cage taken from the Pontiac Fiero IMSA race car, only lengthened to a 100-inch wheelbase.

Driven: Kia Picanto

The first-generation Kia Picanto was one of the cars that helped promote Kia from the lower half of the second-division to somewhere near the playoff places. Its combination of great value, five-door practicality and vaguely cutesy - if thoroughly unremarkable - design found it many a home on the driveway of those looking for an A-segment hatchback. The second-generation model is playing a rather tougher ballgame.

Mini Beachcomber concept

BMW's Mini division has revealed the Beachcomber concept, which is set to make its public debut at the NAIAS in Detroit early next year. Inspired by the Mini Moke from the 1960s, the four-seat Beachcomber concept features a removable hard and soft top and removable doors. Measuring less than four meters long, it is said to preview the forthcoming Mini SUV due in 2010.