Nos Magnum 500 Wheel 2944474. 70-74 Cuda, Challenger on 2040-parts.com

Design Essay: Are smart roads just around the corner?

In order to remain relevant, the car must constantly evolve. But while almost all attention focuses on four wheels, the roads that facilitate an automobile's progress have remained relatively unaltered since Eisenhower formed the National Highway system in the 1950s. With environmental concerns getting ever higher on the agenda, there is an opportunity to think outside the (metal) box and rethink the road, making it as smart as the vehicles and devices that travel upon it.

Mini celebrates 10 years in U.S. with cross-country rally

Mini will kick off its biggest road rally in America, called Mini Takes the States, on the East Coast on July 4. It will conclude at the Pacific Ocean on July 15. The biannual rally will celebrate all things Mini as the company marks its 10-year anniversary in the United States.

Sales enthusiasm? Sports-car and luxury brands show strong market gains

Count Porsche among enthusiast and luxury brands enjoying huge sales gains this year. Sales for the German automaker are up 29 percent so far this year-one of the largest increases in the industry. Almost one-third of Porsche's total sales came from the four-door Panamera.