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New Porsche 911 Speedster reportedly in the works

When European-car importer Max Hoffman suggested to Porsche that the American audience might like a cheaper, open-top version of the company's 356, Stuttgart responded with the Speedster. And while every Porsche partisan is a special snowflake -- some love road-going racers like the 904, others can't imagine life without a roof-rack-equipped 912, others go gaga for anything with a legit, lift-off Targa top, and some folks just really, really, really love 924s -- the Speedster's the light, lovable kid brother for which any fan of the marque has a measure of affection. Porsche knows it, and as such, they've introduced limited Speedster models of every 911 series since the 3.2 Carrera -- except for the oft-maligned 996 (which is still loved by its proponents, IMS-bearing issues aside).

Grand National Roadster Show kicks off in California

History continued today at the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., as the 62nd annual Grand National Roadster Show opened its doors for the weekend. Twelve open-topped hot rods will vie for the title of "America's Most Beautiful Roadster" and the right of their owners to scratch thier names onto the accompanying nine-foot-tall trophy. A few minor tweaks to the rules will make this year's judging something new.

Michael Ninic, Head of BMW Interior Design, dies at 53

Michael Ninic, who held the position of Head of BMW Car Interior Design for many years, unexpectedly died recently at the age of 53. Ninic, who joined the BMW Interior Design Team in 1987, was appointed head of the department in 1999. In 2001, the department also became responsible for material and color design.