Mercedes 190sl Inner Grille Star on 2040-parts.com

Photo of the week (2008): Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 01 December 2008 14:32 Didn't make it to the 2009 LA Auto Show? Then you missed the ugliest Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe ever made (see our pictures, right). Faced with the prospect of arch-rival Bentley showing off its new Azure T – a 500bhp version of the ultra-expensive convertible – in the same hall, Rolls was clearly wondering how to compete.

Alfa Romeo MiTo Live launches

Alfa Romeo has launched a limited edition MiTo – the MiTo Live – with a Pioneer App radio and Marmalade ‘Black Box’ Insurance aimed at new drivers. So on the engine front the MiTo Live gets Alfa’s 875cc two-cylinder turbo – a crackingly good little engine – which delivers up a modest, but fun, 85bhp with emissions of 98g/km and the promise of 67.3mpg if you drive like a saint. And if you do drive like a saint, there’s a cost saving beyond great fuel economy.

Ford invests $1 million in teen-driving program

The Ford Motor Co. Fund is investing an additional $1 million into its no-charge driving-skills program for teenagers, the automaker said on Tuesday. More than 3,000 Americans between the ages of 15 and 19 are killed in crashes each year, according to government statistics.