Mercruiser Alpha 1 (gen 1) 3.7 L, 470, 465, 170-190, Upper Gearcase (1.84: 1r) on 2040-parts.com

In its first year, Indy 500 'glamping' shows potential

For the first time, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway offered “glamorous camping” or “glamping,” on the track's infield during the Indy 500. Across a small lake from the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course's eight hole, IMS settled “Glamptown,” a village of 70 10-foot x 15-foot canvas tents. The tents were available with the choice of a comfortable queen bed, double beds, or two to four military-style cots.

Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV Concept: 2013 Detroit Auto Show

Volkswagen has revealed a new SUV concept – the VW Crossblue – at the Detroit Auto show, previewing a new 7-seat SUV for North America. But this particular VW SUV isn’t heading to a VW showroom near you, instead it’s designed to accommodate seven full-size Americans (well, six in the concept and seven in the production version) in an SUV that will be bigger than the Touareg, but less costly. Sitting on the (obviously very flexible, considering the size of the CrossBlue) MQB platform that underpins the Golf, the CrossBlue looks like it’s probably a stretched version of the next generation Tiguan, complete with VWs new SUV design language featuring a less flowing style with more angular lines and a blunt, statement nose.

General Motors' MyLink rivals Ford's Sync infotainment system

General Motors is introducing a competitor to Ford's Sync infotainment system that will provide text messaging, e-mails, traffic advisories and other connected-car functions. The system, called Chevrolet MyLink, will let motorists link their smart phone and its functions--such as texting, calls, music or navigation--to the vehicle's voice recognition software, sound system and navigation screen. MyLink will be launched in the Chevrolet Volt and Equinox this fall.