2004 04 Harley Davidson Sportster Xl1200 Xl 1200 Right Seat Bracket Mount on 2040-parts.com

Armored Škoda Superb from SVOS has a few tricks up its sleeve

We've all read about armored BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars, and a few of us can even spot them in traffic, but there are plenty of armored options for slightly less flash transportation. Large German sedans make great platforms for armoring, and are one of the most popular choices in countries where there is a need for that sort of thing, but they're far from being the only sedans that can offer security-minded customers the relative peace of mind that comes with ownership of such a car. Besides, if you need to travel discreetly, a Mercedes-Benz S-class isn't always the best option -- which is why armoring companies will gladly modify less-obvious cars like the new Škoda Superb.

Danville concours honors Phil Hill

"Cool Cars for a Cause" is the slogan for the Danville (Calif.) Concours d'Elegance, and it's an apt description for a gathering of classic, vintage-racing and contemporary cars, along with a few restored racing boats carefully parked along Danville's charming downtown streets. The event has raised more than $1 million for Parkinson's disease research and patient care. This year, the event honored Phil Hill, who succumbed to complications from the disease in 2008 after a legendary international career in racing and classic-car restoration.

Chevrolet Volt fire probe is closed, NHTSA says

U.S. safety regulators said Friday that they've closed an eight-week investigation into the Chevrolet Volt, concluding that the plug-in hybrid's battery doesn't pose a significant fire risk following a crash. In a statement, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it "does not believe that Chevy Volts or other electric vehicles pose a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles." The agency said that modifications intended to reinforce the Volt's 435-pound lithium-ion battery pack that General Motors announced on Jan.