Old Lucite Car Auto Shift Knob Gear Shifter Flower #2 on 2040-parts.com

One Lap of the Web: We invented the Miata!

-- Sochi or bust! Is there anything more Russian than driving a Lada Niva to the Winter Olympics? (Flagrant corruption, perhaps.) Documentary producer Vlad Ketkovich calls the venerable Niva "the closest thing to an automotive version of the Russian soul," and we'd wager that the Niva belongs in quintessential Russian-ness next to the Bolshoi Ballet and the movie "Russian Ark." (Or "Ninth Company," if your attention span has been blown to bits.) -- A gorgeous Alfa Romeo ventures into the woods by itself.

High Fuel Costs Forcing Drivers Off Road

THE latest AA/Populus survey released to coincide with the Government’s Autumn Statement tells us something we probably already know: high fuel prices are continuing to force drivers to use their cars less. As part of its poll of 21,587 AA members, the organisation found that 45% are cutting down on car usage and 28% are slashing family or personal budgets to compensate. Semi or unskilled workers and pensioners are cutting back most on motoring, with 53% using their cars less.

Chrysler 300 sneak peak: GM reveals future of car line

Late Tuesday, General Motors and Chrysler submitted their recovery plans to the government. The bottom line: GM and Chrysler say the need another $18 billion total in government loans to make it until auto sales turn around. As part of the plans, the automakers gave a preview of some future products that they hope will help drive the turnaround.