Model A Ford Patent Data Plate 1928/31 on 2040-parts.com

Shelby American considers bringing back rent-a-racer Mustangs

Shelby American is considering resurrecting its “rent-a-racer” program that offers upgraded Mustang GTs for enthusiast-oriented consumers, AutoWeek has learned. Likely timed to mark the storied company's 50th anniversary, the program could launch as early as next spring. The cars would be offered in two traditional configurations: black and gold and white and gold.

Henrik Fisker resigns from Fisker Automotive

Henrik Fisker, founder and executive chairman of struggling plug-in hybrid vehicle maker Fisker Automotive, has resigned. In an email today to Automotive News, Henrik Fisker, referring to himself in the third person, said: "The main reasons for his resignation are several major disagreements that Henrik Fisker has with the Fisker Automotive executive management on the business strategy." Fisker confirmed his resignation in a phone interview and declined to comment further. Tony Posawatz, who became president and CEO of the company in August, said this morning that he had just been made aware of the resignation.

AutoWeek office swag: Mazda rotary-engine keychain with realistic motion

When I got the keys to our long-term 2011 Mazda 5 last week, they came with a surprise--this aluminum-and-brass keychain in the shape of a rotary-engine housing, complete with moving rotor. The rotor doesn't just rattle around or spin in a circle. Thanks to a thumbwheel on the back of the housing, coupled with a timing gear and offset crank journal, the thing actually moves in an approximation of epitrochoidal motion just like a real Wankel.