Ritchie Angler Compass Ra-91 on 2040-parts.com

Pumpkin-carving ideas for Porsche fans and other car geeks

As Halloween approaches, most of you are probably asking the all-important question: "What kind of cool, car-related pumpkin carving can I do?" The folks over at PorschePurist have the answer: a Porsche jack-o'-lantern. All you need is a pumpkin big enough for some detailed carving work, a template or two and a steady hand. We won't give away the rest, but a Dremel tool isn't a bad thing to have handy, either.

New Mercedes-Benz S-class spotted in SoCal

The new Mercedes-Benz S-class must be hustling toward the developmental-cycle finish line, because it's been spotted en masse in places such as Toronto (where it must be undergoing cold-weather testing) and Irvine, Calif. (where it must be gauging the interest of Benz-crazy vox populi). Because as devoid as it is of bodywork-breaking pillboxes, camera-obfuscating swirl paint, and surly engineers, the fact that it's seen here in little more than some sticky paper and a pair of cheap sunglasses on the driver means that the elder statesman of the automotive world is readying its next debut.

Shocking stats reveal mobile use while driving

AS MANY as 13% of drivers are still using hand-held mobile phones while at the wheel, according to a survey. And 4% have admitted to regularly sending or reading text messages while driving, the poll by road safety charity Brake and insurance company Direct Line showed. The number of people owning up to using hand-held mobiles at the wheel has fallen from 36% in 2006 to the current figure of 13%.