1984 Harley Davidson Fl Touring Flht Electra Glide Supertrapp Exhaust Assembly on 2040-parts.com

Volt, Leaf win top safety rating in crash test

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf electric cars won the highest safety ratings in crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, putting them in the top 57 percent of models tested so far this year. About 80 of 140 vehicles tested among 2011-2012 models have received the Institute's "top safety pick," the group's award for state-of-the-art crash protection that exceeds federal safety rules, Institute spokesman Russ Rader said. The Volt and Leaf received a "good" rating -- the highest of four rankings -- on each of four crash tests, said the Institute, which is funded by auto insurers including State Farm, All-State and Geico.

Jalopnik and Drive host 'Livesketching with J Mays'

Ford's Chief Creative Officer, J. Mays is the subject of a 'Livesketching' interactive video, co-hosted by Drive on YouTube and Jalopnik. The Q&A, presented by designer Jason Torchinsky (himself no slouch with a Sharpie and a flip chart), gave the rare opportunity to quiz the creator of the Audi Avus concept, modern VW Beetle and Mustang and one of the major influencers behind Ford's design strategy.

Video: Jay Leno thrashes a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG roadster in Affalterbach

Car guy and all-around funnyman Jay Leno got his crack at the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG roadster in Affalterbach, Germany, and the results are up for viewing on Mercedes’ YouTube channel. Leno flogs the 563-hp convertible around the Mercedes-Benz test track at the factory and on the roads nearby. In tow is Mercedes AMG chairman Ola K