Model A Ford 1930/31 Coupe Driver Side Quarter Window on 2040-parts.com

Imagining the Future: The Southern California Automotive Design Studio

Southern California is home to more automotive design studios than anywhere else in the world, and to commemorate that relationship and celebrate Art Center College of Design's 60th Anniversary, the Petersen Automotive Museum is putting on a new permanent exhibition among its rolling time capsules and automotive memorabilia from Hollywood. The new design exhibition showcases the history of the local design community and its contribution to the world. Located in the ‘Streetscape' section of the Petersen Automotive Museum, the Car Design Studio is at the modern end of a realistic walk-through diorama of California's history as it relates to the automobile.

Leaked photos may show the 2014 Mazda 3

Mazda might not have planned on revealing the 2014 Mazda 3 lineup until next year, but photos showing the redesigned sedan and hatchback may expose the car’s lines a few months ahead of schedule. If the images are to be trusted, the Kodo design language—readily apparent on the upcoming 2014 Mazda 6 sedan and wagon—will make the jump to the smaller, less expensive Mazda 3 as well. Gone is the controversial “smile” grille worn by the 2012 Mazda 3.

Used-car shoppers should watch out for potential flood damage

Heavy spring rains swelled rivers such as the Mississippi and flooded numerous towns. You might have stayed dry, but there's still a risk of being affected--if you wind up with a flood-damaged car. Large sections of the Midwest and the Southeast flooded because of heavy winter snow and an especially wet spring.