Hurst 3667271 Mastershift 3-speed Manual Shifter on 2040-parts.com

Congress scales back tax break for car buyers

A proposed tax break for new-vehicle buyers is dramatically scaled back in the final version of the economic stimulus bill. Auto dealers and their allies had sought to make interest on auto loans and the sales and excise taxes on new-vehicle purchases deductible from federal taxes. Proponents say those measures are needed to boost showroom traffic and sales.

Documentary looks at history of Batmobiles

Not many cars are as recognizable as the Batmobile, even with its multiple iterations—from the George Barris concept to the Tumbler of the Christopher Nolan trilogy. An upcoming Warner Bros. documentary features interviews with directors of the unforgettable movies by Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan, and the wish-you-could-forget films of Joel Schumacher, all exploring the Batmobile.

Volkswagen updates Scirocco

Volkswagen has revealed an upgraded Scirocco, which will make its world premiere at the Geneva motor show in early March. Among the changes to Wolfsburg’s 6-year-old coupe are some subtle exterior changes, higher quality interior, and new four-cylinder engines, including a 276-hp version of Volkswagen’s EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter in the new top-of-the-range Scirocco R. Other engines include a 1.4-liter, 123-hp four and a 2.0-liter producing 177 hp, 217 hp or 276 hp.