Mazda Verisa 2007 A/c Compressor [0560700] on 2040-parts.com

Winners of the 'Ultimate LA Machine' Design Challenge announced

 The judges of the Los Angeles Auto Show's Design Challenge have named the Dodge Superbee and Volkswagen Mobile Lounge as joint-winners of the first ever automobile design studio competition. Designer Reto Brun of Volkswagen/Audi Design Center California said his studio considered two Los Angeles issues when designing the Volkswagen Mobile Lounge - an antidote to traffic and a better option for the area's "limo-centric" entertainment culture. Whisper-quiet fuel cell technology whisks occupants towards their destination while electronically controlled tinted glass, an open living space and innumerable in-car amenities provide a supremely comfortable environment.

2011 Audi R8 GT, an AW first look

Three years after it burst onto the supercar scene, Audi has unveiled a hard-core version of its R8 called the GT. Based on the existing mid-engine R8 V10 and incorporating aerodynamic, weight-saving and mechanical developments used by the company's R8 LMS GT3 race car, Ingolstadt will build just 333 copies of the new 560-hp four-wheel-drive performance flagship. Pricing has not yet been revealed, but given the extent of the changes to the new two-seater, buyers should expect a hefty premium over the R8 V10's $147,000 price tag when the GT goes on sale in North America.

Building a business around Alfa lust

In a low-key industrial complex just north of Detroit sits a trove of 1960s and '70s Alfa Romeos. To describe it as a “treasure” trove doesn't quiet fit, because in the words of owner Richard Davisson, the Italian icons are “everything from pathetic to just about done.” Several of the dozen or so cars are gorgeous. Most are interesting.