National Detroit Model 900 8" Sander on 2040-parts.com

The AutoWeek list: Top all-time convertibles for driving fun

With the first few days of summer behind us, we got to thinking about our favorite summer pastimes. Clearly they include barbecue grilling, eating ice cream and taking long drives with the top down (the cars', not ours). It's time to contemplate the top convertible rides of all time might be.

CCS- American Iron and Steel Institute Challenge 2005

Transportation Design students from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit recently presented projects done in conjunction with the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Three students were selected from the college to complete an internship: Chris Piscitelli, Sylvian Bryan and Sang Hoon Shin. They took on the challenge to design a 'functional, innovative and extreme-inspired vehicle that integrates environmental responsibility, cost efficiency and advanced steel materials.' Aside from the peripheral criteria, it is the 'extreme' theme that sticks, the brief satisfyingly encouraging students to really provoke with their imaginations.With the Challenge now in its 17th year, AISI puts its considerable resources to good use, Piscitelli, Bryan and Shin each receiving much support during their internship program, which includes producing scale models of their designs.

Video: Chevrolet engineer Oppenheiser talks 2012 Camaro ZL1

What we have here is a little teaser video of the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 featuring chief engineer Al Oppenheiser. It was filmed at the Camaro Homecoming Event in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, in June. Oppenheiser gives us a look at the 6.2-liter supercharged Camaro, explaining how airflow will enter the front grille and be drawn away from the engine with the hood vents.