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One Lap of the Web: Mock the Week Edition

-- Mazda Europe designer Peter Birthwhistle talks about the future of Mazda: potential hybrid and electric powertrains for the Skyactiv-obsessed company, and how we'll all be driving Mazda-branded pods in the 22nd century. But he also mentions, rather interestingly, how certain Mazdas capture a quintessentially long-hood, RWD look -- and not just the Miata, either, which is RWD. No, it's the exhaust systems on those Skyactiv engines that force a longer, larger hood compartment, and the "long, flowing looks" not usually found on FWD engines.

Orange alert for Seat's fastest car ever

IF YOU’D like your brand new Seat Leon Cupra 280 a little more orange than the basic colour palette allows, check out this new development from Seat UK. The firm’s British arm has responded immediately to complaints that the fastest Leon ever simply didn’t look crazy enough, thanks largely to its muted choice of colours. Seat UK has reacted with a shockingly orange bodyshell wrap, covering the original finish and protecting it from damage, as well as giving the Leon Cupra’s stunning lines a bit more to shout about.

One Lap of the Web: Happy (belated) birthday, Sir Jack Brabham

-- At the upcoming World's Greatest Sports Coupes exhibit, which opens April 10, the Petersen asked some well-known celebrities to pick their finest "two-seat, fixed-roof high performance car of all time," many of which they happen to own. Personally, we would have gone with the 1979 Ford Mustang, the Toyota Hilux Surf SSR Limited, or the Deathmobile from "Animal House." -- Quick, name a Japanese car that was designed by Italians. OK, the Isuzu Piazza.