Ford Explorer 2005 on 2040-parts.com

Local Motors launches Pacific Northwest competition

Local Motors' 20th design competition, themed 'Thrive in the Elements,' opens for submissions starting today, 17 March. The new American car company is calling for entrants to design a car based around the four core elements: Earth, wind, fire and water; challenging designers to create a vehicle that will 'inspire Pacific Northwesterners to thrive'. The deadline for entries is 30 March 2010.

Lamborghini Murcielago production ends

The last Lamborghini Murcielago - an LP670-4 - leaves Sant'Agata Despite the Lamborghini Jota (or Lamborghini LP700-4 as we may now have to call it) failing to make the Lamborghini stand at last month’s Paris Motor Show, the news that the last Lamborghini Murcielago has now rolled out of Sant’Agata is as clear a sign as there can be that Lamborghini’s new range-topper is just round the corner. The final Murcielago – an LP670-4 in Arancio Atlas with big wing – actually rolled off the production line in May. It was the 4,099th Murcielago to roll out of Sant’Agata, by far the biggest run of twelve-cylinder cars in Lamborghini’s history.

Subaru seeks to dump 'quirky,' broaden appeal

When Subaru arrived in the United States in the 1960s, ads used the unflattering slogan "cheap and ugly." The brand has come a long way. But to critics, the concept of "Subaru styling" is still an oxymoron. Even loyalists describe it as "quirky"; the less charitable choose "bland" and "boxy." Subaru is one of the few brands that have been unscathed, even growing stronger, during the U.S.