Lowrance Global Map 5200c Gps Chartplotter on 2040-parts.com

Dinner with Bob Lutz: Looking back at nearly 50 years in the car business

Bob Lutz is retiring--again. He has tried this twice before: at Chrysler in 1998 and with his abortive exit from General Motors last year. But this time, at age 78, it may stick, even for the car guy who has operated at the industry's highest levels since the early 1970s.

A tribute to Jim Das

On May 15 GM Europe designer Jim Das passed away in a Wiesbaden hospital after a year-long battle with leukemia. Jim joined the Opel Design team in 1997 following the completion of his Masters degree at the Royal College of Art. In 1998-99 Jim had a stint in Italy at the Opel Advanced Studio and worked on a roadster study (currently on display at Opel Live in Ruesselsheim).

New Honda Insight Hybrid: Insight Exclusive gets 1.5 litre from CR-Z

Honda Insight Exclusive gets bigger 1.5 litre IMA Hybrid You can’t blame Honda for wanting to keep a toe in the hybrid waters, especially as arch rival Toyota has all but cornered the market. But you can blame them for the rather woeful Honda Insight Hybrid which, despite offering good headline economy and a bit of a green halo, is something of a dog. However, a chunk of the criticisms levelled at the Insight were addressed by Honda last month when it revealed its nips and tucks for the Insight for 2012.