Thompson Boat Seacoaster Emblem on 2040-parts.com

LTU students design SRG Global-branded vehicle

Lawrence Technological University's (LTU) Daniel Kangas has received a Coach Builder Design Award after winning a semester-long design competition. The contest – sponsored by chrome-plated plastic parts manufacturer SRG Global – challenged LTU students to design a SRG Global-branded vehicle that incorporated the company's products, as well as future technologies and trends. Kangas' design will be developed into SRG Global's virtual car to be used on the company's website and mobile apps to showcase its products and finishes.

GM's historic Willow Run plant closes

After 68 years of arming the nation and putting America on wheels, the Willow Run manufacturing plant in southeast Michigan closed on Thursday. The 5-million-square-foot powertrain plant, owned by Motors Liquidation Corp., the remnants of the former General Motors Corp., has fallen victim to GM's 2009 bankruptcy and subsequent restructuring. About 300 workers left at the plant will either “retire, transfer to another campus or go on layoff,” said Chris Lee, a spokesman for the reorganized General Motors Co.

One Lap of the Web: a lap of the 'Ring, a lap of the YouTubes and a lap of the eBays

-- The Porsche 918 achieved a spectacular and borderline-unbelievable time just a few days ago, but here are some less heroic cars lapping the 'Ring, like Peugeot 205s, modern BMWs and a few bikes mixed in for good measure. Check out the classic Heckflosse (fintail) Mercedes-Benz at 2:05. -- Filmmaker Casey Neistat filmed, umm, a pretty good commercial for the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, but it's the making-of video that's even more fun to watch.