2002 Polaris Edge X 600 M10 E/r Footrest Left 5245288 on 2040-parts.com

Report finds California leads nation in car thefts

It's not just the weather that's hot in California--apparently lots of the cars are, too. The National Insurance Crime Bureau released its list of the top 10 car-theft areas in the country for 2010. Eight of them are in the Golden State, mostly in rural areas.

Volkswagen launches Car-Net in-car assistance system

Volkswagen has launched an in-car assistance system which will offer a number of convenience and diagnostic features. Not too dissimilar from some other systems already on the market -- such as BMW Assist, Mercedes-Benz'sMbrace, and GM's On-Star -- VW's system will offer roadside assistance, service appointment scheduling, and automatic crash notification. The latter triggers a call from the vehicle to a Car-Net customer specialist when the airbags in the car are deployed, which will then connect the occupants with a local public safety answering point, which can send emergency vehicles to the scene if needed.

Freddie Mercury Lotus Evora to be auctioned for charity

Die-hard Queen fans can bid on a Lotus Evora S inspired by the late Freddie Mercury at a 65th-birthday celebration for the famous frontman. The car has a red, white and gold color scheme said to be inspired by a costume Mercury wore during his 1986 Magic Tour, along with badges of the singer’s signature and silhouette. The seats are emblazoned with Union Jack flags.