Standard Motor Products Lx509 Pick-up on 2040-parts.com

Behind The Scenes: Hot Wheels Design Studio [w/Video]

Hot Wheels' vice president of design Felix Holst has spent some time chatting to Cool Hunting about the brand's design philosophy at its Design Studio at Mattel's headquarters in El Segundo, California, in a new video. According to Holst Hot Wheels has evolved from being focused on muscle cars and V8 engines to being all about technology as a reflection of the new generation they're designing for.  He explains the benefits of designing over 240 vehicles a year that aren't limited by rules and regulations, saying in a studio that's driven by pushing the boundaries, it's a question of just how wild they can get.  The video really captures not only the men's passion for their jobs but the fun they have doing it. Small wonder Holst says he'd never go back to car design, and reveals the studio is packed with qualified car designers who chose Hot Wheels over conventional jobs in the industry.  We also hear from Hot Wheels Car Maker's designer Julian Payne, who explains how the new Car Maker – which gives you the chance to mold your own custom Hot Wheels at home – works.

Saleen Performance to end S302 Ford Mustang production, prepares to expand

If ordering a Saleen S302 Ford Mustang is on your wish list, the time to do it is now. Revstone Industries, owner of Saleen Performance Vehicles, said on Wednesday that it will stop taking orders for the car in May and will finish building Saleen Mustangs in suburban Detroit by the fall. But the Lexington, Ky.-based company is not getting out of the performance parts and merchandise businesses and isn't abandoning the vehicle-upfitting field, spokesman Pete Borum said.

Autoweek's Vinsetta Garage premieres tonight on the Velocity Network

Join host Courtney Hansen and a collection of the most interesting and insightful names in the car world on Tuesday, Jan. 3, as Autoweek's Vinsetta Garage premieres on the Discovery Channel's new car-centric Velocity Network. The show, named after an iconic Detroit-area repair shop, will air on Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m., bringing you automotive tales well told thanks to Autoweek's unparalleled access and expertise.