Vibrant Horizontal 304 Ss Nominal 3in. Oval / 2.95in. Centerline Radius, 15 on 2040-parts.com

One Lap of the Web: We invented the Miata!

-- Sochi or bust! Is there anything more Russian than driving a Lada Niva to the Winter Olympics? (Flagrant corruption, perhaps.) Documentary producer Vlad Ketkovich calls the venerable Niva "the closest thing to an automotive version of the Russian soul," and we'd wager that the Niva belongs in quintessential Russian-ness next to the Bolshoi Ballet and the movie "Russian Ark." (Or "Ninth Company," if your attention span has been blown to bits.) -- A gorgeous Alfa Romeo ventures into the woods by itself.

Mercedes SLK (2012) Undisguised

The Mercedes SLK 2011/2012 - almost undisguised Considering we’re not actually expecting the next generation Mercedes SLK to hit the roads until 2012 – although it will surface in 2011 – we’ve been picking up spy shots of the latest SLK for quite some time. More than a year ago we brought you spy shots of the 2012 Mercedes SLK, but that was on track and quite camouflaged. But the latest shots are practically undisguised.

Chrysler details changes to minivan, Jeep Patriot

Wider use of the Pentastar V6, fascia changes and more luxurious materials in the interior are the key changes being made to the Chrysler Town & Country minivan and the Jeep Patriot for the 2011 model year. The changes come as Chrysler works to revive interest in its products after nearly two years of virtually no new-product activity while the automaker worked through a government-sponsored bankruptcy. Earlier this year, Chrysler unveiled the redesigned 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is now on sale.