Standard Motor Products Egv656 Egr Valve on 2040-parts.com

Americans plan to keep their cars longer, AutoPacific study finds

In another chilling sign that auto sales are likely to remain stalled, a new study finds that Americans intend to keep their cars longer, indicating a general concern about the industry and the overall economy. The number of new-car buyers planning to keep their rides more than four years has risen to 59 percent, according to a study released Tuesday by California marketing research firm AutoPacific. That's an increase from last year, when about 45 percent of new buyers intended to wait more than four years for their next purchase, and it's up from 2005's tally of 46 percent.

McLaren 12C Spider: The video

Last week we had the reveal of the convertible version of the MP4-12C – the McLaren 12C Spider – and now we get the first video of McLaren’s convertible supercar. We did think McLaren would have released a video of the new 12C Spider when it was revealed last week, but they’ve obviously got the hang of their new video software now so we finally get to see the 12C Spider in action. McLaren has used cinema-quality RED camera technology to capture the 12C Spider in terrific detail as it first performs on track and then traverses the stunning roads in the mountains of Andalucia.

Concept Car of the Week: GM-X Stiletto (1964)

With dreams of flying cars as the ultimate inspiration, General Motors designers in the ‘60s used every trick possible to make their creations appear as though they were floating – long, straight bodies, wheels pushed in and hidden away, large fins and lights that looked like rockets. As William L. Mitchell took the reins of GM Design, he brought a more high-tech approach, with simpler surfaces, a more restrained use of chrome and a general sense of elegant simplicity.