Mustang Mgw Racing Spec Shifter on 2040-parts.com

Parade celebrates astronauts and Corvettes

After Alan Shepard became the first American to travel into outer space in 1961, General Motors executive Ed Cole presented the astronaut with a new 1962 Chevrolet Corvette, customized with a space-age interior. Shepard had brought along his own 1957 Corvette when he reported for the space-training program in 1959. Thanks to a special lease arrangement between the space men and a Melbourne, Fla., Chevy dealership, six of the Mercury Seven astronauts were Corvette owners.

Lamborghini Aventador

A clear evolution of both the Murcielago and the Reventon, the Aventador dissapointed and wowed in equal measure at its unveiling. Showcasing Lamborghini's newfound love for carbon fiber as well as an exhaustive list of new technologies for their road cars – such as a pushrod suspension – the Aventador certainly has a supercar-style spec sheet. The V12 engine used in the Aventador is also all-new and when combined with the lightweight carbon monocoque chassis is claimed to provide blistering performance, albeit in an unrevolutionary body.  More images of the Aventador, as well as the opinion of Chris Bangle, can be found through the links: Photo Gallery: Lamborghini Aventador Video: Chris Bangle on Supercars

Future products: BMW focuses on small crossovers, new EV subbrand

BMW will concentrate on small crossovers next year with a redesigned X3 and the all-new X1. Both are based on the redesigned 3-series sedan, which will arrive in 2012. In 2013, a new subbrand of electric and hybrid vehicles being developed by BMW's Project i group will debut.