Air Vent Marine Star on 2040-parts.com

Car companies, community & a cause

Last Saturday night (April 20) was one of those I-can't believe-I-get-paid-to-do-this kind of evenings. My wife Maria and I -- along with 550 of our closest friends -- were invited to attend the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute's 31st annual dinner. The name sort of says it all, and the dinner is a simple enough concept that even I get it: It's held to raise money.

Toyota Prius wagon is roomier, heavier than its hatchback sibling

The new wagon-style Toyota Prius has entered production ahead of its global sales debut next month in Japan. And despite outward similarities with its hatchback predecessor, the newest member of the Prius family also gets noteworthy changes. At a preview and test drive for journalists in Japan, Toyota Motor Corp.

Video: Watch a Mini Countryman do a backflip

We've seen a backflip on a snowmobile, we've seen the double backflip from Travis Pastrana on his dirtbike, and we saw Rhys Millen almost land a backflip in his off-road truck on New Year's Eve. Apparently, Mini thought it would cap the fad's run by flipping a car. Extreme sportsman, freestyle skier and rally driver Guerlain Chicherit made the attempt at the winter sports resort of Tignes in France.