Metralla Bultaco Center Stand Mk2, Metralla 62. on 2040-parts.com

Nissan hires Magna Steyr to build new entry-level Infiniti car

Nissan said Thursday that Austrian contract manufacturer Magna Steyr will build a new premium compact car for the Infiniti brand, starting in 2014. Infiniti boss Andy Palmer said in a statement that the car will help the brand to reach new consumers and grow in key markets such as western Europe. Nissan did not give any more details about the car or say whether it will be sold in markets outside Europe such as the United States.

Lincoln introduces Black Label trim at Pebble Beach

Lincoln introduced its hoity-toity Black Label Collection at Pebble Beach on Thursday. In the words of Jim Farley, “The new Lincoln Motor Company is built on three foundational elements -- design, quality and personal service; Black Label represents our highest expression of these elements.” Lincoln says its Black Label dealers will collaborate to create a personal, integrated client shopping and ownership experience, with respect for the luxury of time. We're not sure exactly what that means, but if the dealers can pick up the cars for gas, a wash and some fast food, that would be great.

Mark Adams on the Past, Present and Future of Opel Design

Back in 1938, GM showed the world's first concept car: Harley Earl's Buick Y-Job. Twenty-six years later, GM's Opel division became the first mainstream carmaker to design and build a concept in Europe. That car was the Opel Experimental GT, designed in 1964 and launched at the Frankfurt motor show in 1965.