Exhaust Pipe Flange Gasket Rear Victor F32222 on 2040-parts.com

Craigslist catch: 1986 Lotus Turbo Esprit

For the masochistic car enthusiast--and many of us here at AutoWeek count ourselves among that breed--nothing is sure to tantalize and frustrate quite as nicely as a Lotus. Not just any Lotus, mind you, but a peaky, force-fed, emissions-saddled 1986 Turbo Esprit. The example shown here, http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/ctd/2318628863.html, appears to be a fine specimen of Giguaro's wedgy Brit, and the rear-quarter decals indicate that this is a late HCi model--high-compression plus Bosch fuel injection.

Behind The Scenes: Hot Wheels Design Studio [w/Video]

Hot Wheels' vice president of design Felix Holst has spent some time chatting to Cool Hunting about the brand's design philosophy at its Design Studio at Mattel's headquarters in El Segundo, California, in a new video. According to Holst Hot Wheels has evolved from being focused on muscle cars and V8 engines to being all about technology as a reflection of the new generation they're designing for.  He explains the benefits of designing over 240 vehicles a year that aren't limited by rules and regulations, saying in a studio that's driven by pushing the boundaries, it's a question of just how wild they can get.  The video really captures not only the men's passion for their jobs but the fun they have doing it. Small wonder Holst says he'd never go back to car design, and reveals the studio is packed with qualified car designers who chose Hot Wheels over conventional jobs in the industry.  We also hear from Hot Wheels Car Maker's designer Julian Payne, who explains how the new Car Maker – which gives you the chance to mold your own custom Hot Wheels at home – works.

What defines a car’s nationality, Batty asks

Is the Mini German or British? Batty's not so sure – but what do you think? Click 'Add your comment' and let us know By Batty Motoring Issues 04 December 2008 12:41 CAR Online reader Batty ponders what gives a car a national flavour.