Puig Black Universal Fender Eliminator Kit on 2040-parts.com

Ford to host Octane Academy for action-sports junkies

Ford is making a push for younger customers with its sponsorship of extreme-sport and action-sport events. Now, the automaker wants to bring that experience to some select average Joes. Beginning in November, Ford will host an action-sports program called Octane Academy.

Ford prototype seat measures your heart rate

Ford continues its foray into health and wellness with a car that can monitor the driver's heart activity. Research engineers in Germany have developed a prototype seat with six sensors that can monitor the heart's electric impulses through clothes and give an early warning as to whether a driver should seek medical attention because of irregularities. Drivers who have cardiovascular disease are 23 percent more likely to be involved in a car accident.

Craigslist catch: 1986 Lotus Turbo Esprit

For the masochistic car enthusiast--and many of us here at AutoWeek count ourselves among that breed--nothing is sure to tantalize and frustrate quite as nicely as a Lotus. Not just any Lotus, mind you, but a peaky, force-fed, emissions-saddled 1986 Turbo Esprit. The example shown here, http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/ctd/2318628863.html, appears to be a fine specimen of Giguaro's wedgy Brit, and the rear-quarter decals indicate that this is a late HCi model--high-compression plus Bosch fuel injection.