Carter 888543 on 2040-parts.com

Video: Yasushi Nakamuta on Mazda 3's 'unique' design process

It may be leaden with PR-talk but this short presentation by Yasushi Nakamuta, Mazda's director of advanced design studio at the press unveiling of the new Mazda 3 in Melbourne is still worth a couple of minutes of your time. But while the 3 is undeniably attractive we can't help but feel that the 'unique' design process Nakamuta describes (which appears wholly conventional to us) has resulted in little more than a thoroughly normal product. Take a look for yourself at the video to your left.

Cadillac sets the base price for the 2011 CTS-V wagon at $62,990

Prices for the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V wagon will begin at $62,990, including destination charges. Available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, the CTS-V is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. Options include Recaro heated and ventilated driver and front-passenger seats ($3,400); 19-inch aluminum wheels ($800); midnight Sapele wood-trim package ($600), and a suede steering wheel and shifter ($300).

Democrats cut deal on cash-for-guzzlers measure

Democratic lawmakers have proposed a cash-for-guzzlers bill that would provide vouchers of up to $4,500 to people who trade in cars and trucks for new, more fuel-efficient vehicles, Rep. John Dingell said. The measure, if approved by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama, would lead to about 1 million new-vehicle purchases, the Michigan Democrat said in a statement.