Mazda Rx-7 1986-1988 Rear Stationary Gears on 2040-parts.com

Videos: Volkswagen's exterior and interior designers highlight the Up's design elements

We've enjoyed the design of Volkswagen's new Up since we first saw the vehicle in concept form at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show. Devoid of any extraneous detailing, the simple, product design aesthetic is pared back to represent the crux of VW's design philosophy: pure, simple and solid.  The result is a harmonious design that stands out from the pack, with simple surfacing and subtle detailing; the Up's design is pure and minimalistic, which serves to exude quality in the product. Inside, the vehicle is brimming with space-saving design details.  From an IP devoid of central air vents to a thin headrest that visually extends the height of the interior, the Up is a success story in space efficiency, but it is also finished to a high level using quality materials.

One Lap of the Web: Panteras, Battlebirds and Patrick Dempsey's entrepreneurial brilliance

We spend a lot of time on the Internet -- pretty much whenever we're not driving, writing about or working on cars. Since there's more out there than we'd ever be able to cover, here's our daily digest of car stuff on the Web you may not otherwise have heard about. -- Sure, later versions of the De Tomaso Pantera looked a bit outrageous with their wide fenders and Countach-like spoilers.

Corvette icon Duntov added to Bloomington Gold hall

Zora-Arkus Duntov, the first chief engineer for the Chevrolet Corvette, is among 10 people who will be added to the Bloomington Gold Corvettes USA's Great Hall next summer. The Great Hall is a form of hall of fame started by Bloomington Gold, an annual Corvette restoration and car show event that rewards cars for being maintained in original or factory-correct condition. The event is held in late June.