Harley Davidson Chrome Jiffy Stand on 2040-parts.com

One Lap of the Web: Willys CJ2 rat rod, Blade Runner sketchbook and vintage Alpine A110 footage

-- Even if you don't remember every nuance of the plot of the 1982 film Blade Runner, or even which of the myriad versions of the film you saw, its powerful visual images and bizarre-but-plausible technologies have likely stuck with you. From glowing umbrellas to the unforgettable flying "spinners," Blade Runner was fascinating look at a future that wasn't. Although technically the film was set in 2019, so we've got a few years for replicant technology, and Los Angeles smog levels, to catch up with fiction.

Dodge Avenger replacement could go rear-wheel drive

Chrysler is pondering a shakeup for its midsize-sedan lineup. The Dodge Avenger replacement would shift to rear-wheel drive, and the next Chrysler Sebring would be based on a Fiat platform in an effort to differentiate two cars that currently share the same underpinnings, Automotive News reports. The Avenger replacement could be based on a modified Challenger platform, which itself is a modified version of the Charger and Chrysler 300 platform.

Queen’s hat causes car problem in France

Renault | AP The French president has a problem: it turns out none of the Citroen cars currently at his disposal are large enough to accommodate the Queen’s customary hats. So for Her Majesty’s state visit on 6 June, in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of D-Day, president Francois Hollande has ordered an old Renault out of retirement to make sure the Queen has the necessary headroom. On Bing: see pictures of the Queen’s cars60 years of Royal cars President Hollande is generally seen in a Citroen DS5, as this is the most prestigious French-made car currently available; alternatively he also has routine access to the slightly more limo-like Citroen C6.