Mercedes SL (2012): aluminium saves 8% weight

Mercedes' new 2012 SL will weigh a solid 140kg less than today's SL roadster - a significant saving of some 8%. This crash diet has been enabled by the adoption of aluminium for the new SL. The learnings from the SLS gullwing are now trickling down to the higher-volume SL, which will be revealed in December 2011.

Ssangyong KEV2

Continuing Ssangyong's revival is another new car from the Korean company, the KEV2. Unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show, the KEV2 is an electric version of the company's outgoing Korando model. However, in the pursuit of diversifying the aesthetic between drivetrains, the KEV2 features a new DRG that sees the conventional grille lost and more aggressive, taught LED headlights replace the existing lamps.

Buy Dad a piece of the famed Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway

You might never get the chance to dominate the Corkscrew at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif., the way Nicky Hayden and Alex Zanardi did, but you can still make your mark on the famous stretch. A spectator terrace is being constructed atop the turn, and racing fans can buy a brick etched with a name or personal message to sit on the walk of fame. It sure beats a tie for Dad on Father's Day, and all of the money raised will go to improving the raceway.