New Polaris Wiseco Piston And Ring 500 Classic Indy Trail 2345m07200 Nos on 2040-parts.com

One Lap of the Web: Remembering the dearly departed

-- With news that Toyota is leaving the great state of California for the greater (by landmass, anyway; your own opinion may vary) state of Texas, it's worth reminding ourselves that Toyota in America started as one lonely building on 6000 Hollywood Blvd., having taken over a former Rambler dealership. (The site is still a successful Toyota dealership.) That first year of sales in 1958 saw 287 Toyopet Crowns and one Land Cruiser sold -- more as curiosities than as practical transportation, we'd wager. -- At any rate, Toyota's move from California to Texas is moving from "one of the most eco-friendly states in the union," according to Ward's Auto, "to the U.S.’s equivalent of China." -- Ten years ago today, the last Oldsmobile rolled off the line at Lansing Car Assembly.

How VW's XL1 will make your next Golf lighter, faster and more frugal

VW will only build 250 examples of the XL1, its super-streamlined two-seater than scores a combined 314mpg thanks to its plug-in hybrid diesel engine, lightweight construction and low-drag design. Each punter will have to put up around €100,000 for the privilege of saving money on fuel – but don’t worry, because every car across the VW Group will benefit from the lessons learned, all by 2020. Is my next VW likely to be a hybrid?

Range Rover Evoque: Arden AR8 City Roader revealed

Range Rover Evoque by Arden - the Arden AR8 City Roader It would be nice to think that the pimpers and preeners of nice bits of manufacturers metal would at least wait until a new car hits the road before adorning it with the automotive equivalent of a glitter ball, a spray tan and too much makeup. But, no. German tuner Arden has taken the funky Range Rover Evoque and made it ‘better’, delivering the end result as the Arden AE8 City Roader.