Quartermaster 7.25 Flywheel/ Ring Gear on 2040-parts.com

Creature comforts now top car-shoppers' 'must-haves'

New technologies come with a learning curve, but once we tackle the initial challenge it's amazing how quickly new features become “must-haves.” From cars that unlock as we approach to those that keep themselves between the lines and a safe distance from what's ahead, we have already become accustomed to high-tech driving. So which features would most drivers refuse to live without? Surprisingly, it's the simplest creature comforts most people hold dear—at least for now.

Autorama Ridler Award goes to a woman for the first time

For the first time in the history of the Ridler Award, the trophy was won by a woman. The 1933 Ford Phaeton, named Gold Digger, owned by Tammy Ray of Dahlonega, Ga., was judged the best of the Great Eight at the Detroit Autorama on Feb. 28.

Porsche plans four-door Panamera convertible

A series of European and U.S. patent applications obtained by AutoWeek show that Porsche remains committed to building a four-door convertible version of its flagship Panamera, despite recent comments from Zuffenhausen insiders indicating the car had been canceled. The new car, depicted in official drawings that accompany the latest Porsche patent applications filed in February, eschews the two-door route taken by all of its upmarket rivals for a four-door body.