Esslinger Racing Ford 2.0l (german) Aluminum Valve Cover on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen chief: No. 1 in the world by 2018

Volkswagen chairman Martin Winterkorn reaffirmed his company's ambitious and audacious goals on Wednesday night on the eve of the Paris motor show: pass Toyota and General Motors for the title of world's largest automaker in 2018. Winterkorn was the final speaker after an event that featured unveilings from each of the German conglomerate's brands. He said his company wants to record total sales of 10 million in eight years, which would vault it pass the current levels of global leaders Toyota and GM.

2010 Mazda 3: &15,715 base price tag

When the second-generation Mazda 3 hits dealerships in the spring, it will wear a base price of $15,715 (including $670 destination), which represents a $355 increase over its predecessor. Entry-level "i" models remain powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 148 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque. For the premium "s" trims, a new 2.5-liter four borrowed from the Mazda 6 produces 167 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque.

Chevrolet to restore Covettes damaged in sinkhole disaster

Though we're very happy that no one was hurt when a sinkhole opened up beneath the Bowling Green, Ky. National Corvette Museum, the fate of the eight Corvettes damaged in the cave-in remained has remained unclear. Photos and footage of the incident show a few cars sitting on top of the rubble at the bottom of the 40-foot wide, 25 to 30-foot deep pit; others are presumably pinned under the debris.