John Fitch memorial set for Dec. 1 in Lime Rock

Inventor, race-car driver, fighter pilot and friend John Fitch passed away on Oct. 31. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m.

Volkswagen Golf GTE Plug-in Hybrid UK debut

The VW Golf GTE (pictured) gets its UK debut at the NEX next week The Volkswagen Golf GTE – which VW see as a plug-in hybrid Golf GTI – was revealed in February ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show last month and is now heading for the Gadget Show Live at the NEC next week for its UK debut. With a 1.4 litre TSI petrol turbo producing 148bhp and a 101 bhp electric motor, the Golf GTE promises decent performance – 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds – daft official economy figures of 188 mpg and the ability to run on electric power only for up to 31 miles. It’s an appealing combination for a Golf that can offer city running benefits with a turn of decent performance when the mood takes, although at a price likely to be north of £30k it’s not exactly a budget buy.

One Lap of the Web: Bonneville Salt Flats, Suzuki concepts and Porsches for all

Petrolicious is hanging with Bob Sirna, Bonneville Salt Flats competitor, and his Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. Sirna has been coming to Bonneville for the last 12 years with his SL, which is probably more suited to a museum stand. Sirna likes to say, “Enjoy your toys,” but we hope he has a nice coat of Rustoleum on there.