Harley Street Glide Front Fender 2007 on 2040-parts.com

The Jaguar F-Type's a closet Star Wars geek

Our friends over at Jalopnik are currently at Jaguar F-Type media event over in Seattle, where they had a chance to catch up with its design Wayne Burgess (check out our full interview with him here), who revealed some interesting sources of inspiration for some of its detailing. The first is a real easter egg - a detail that once you've discovered it you can't help but see - the front lamp cans are based on Star Wars' TIE Fighter. What has been seen can not be unseen.

End of the road for Mercury

Mercury has stood for hot-rodding, performance, style and even feminine appeal during various points in its 72-year history. But ultimately, the failure to stand alone in the Ford Motor Co.'s family of brands spelled its demise. Mercury, a brand founded by company scion Edsel Ford, will be shuttered as Ford concentrates its efforts on the core Ford brand and luxury-level Lincolns.

Nissan news at 2009 Tokyo motor show

Carlos Ghosn, Nissan CEO and general talisman, struts his stuff with the new electric Leaf – and promises three other EVs: a van based on the NV200, a compact, high-performance, luxury four-seat Infiniti (think Lexus LF-Ch or BMW 1-series) and an urban car inspired by the crazy Land Glider concept. Yes, the leaning-over, futuristic looking Nissan Land Glider has some production intent, he vows. It looks like it’s been squished from both sides, and if you’re lanky them climbing in is quite a squeeze.