One Lap of the Web: Antarctic hot rods, Nissan BE-1 for sale and parting with a beloved Wagoneer

-- Here's yet another gem we first saw over at Hemmings: The first, and (so far as we know) only Antarctic hot rod ever built. It might be from 1968-'71; not much else is known, except that it was probably constructed by Navy SeaBees operating out of McMurdo Station. From the one photo we have, it looks like it could have a Jeep flathead four up front.

Fiat 500X: A sneak peek at Fiat’s 500 SUV

The Fiat 500X is an SUV based on the same platform as the 500L, and we’ve got a sneak peek of it at a press event in Italy. Fiat are determined to extend the 500 franchise with an extended range of models, such as the Fiat 500L we saw officially launched earlier today. Next up will be the Fiat 500X, a crossover come SUV based on the same Punto platform as the new 500L and aimed at the same market place as the MINI Countryman.

Audi designer to head VW's design center

Volkswagen AG has picked Stefan Sielaff, its current head of Audi design, to lead the VW design center in Potsdam, Germany. Sielaff, 49, will replace Thomas Ingenlath, who is leaving the company. The change will be effective Feb.