Dirt Modified 2014 Bicknell Roller on 2040-parts.com

Smart's $99 loan deal has big balloon payment at end

Hoping to benefit from the federal cash-for-guzzlers program, Smart USA has set up a $99 monthly payment for buyers who use their $4,500 rebate. But there's a catch--and a hefty balloon payment disclosed only as a note to an asterisk in Smart's press information announcing the offer. The Smart financing is for $99 a month for 36 months, with a balloon payment of $6,667 due at the end.

Land Rover fomalizes deal with off-road partner Bowler

Land Rover finalized a deal with Bowler on Thursday that formalizes an existing arrangement as Bowler—a U.K.-based builder of rally raid cars—has been a working with Land Rover for more than a decade. Bowler competition vehicles will now compete with “Powered by Land Rover” badges, a slogan that will also be highlighted in customer and marketing events. Bowler will also get access to Land Rover parts and benefit from “technical and development support” from the firm.

McLaren P1 tests in Arctic, MP4-12C at drag strip

McLaren has produced less than a handful of road cars in its 50-year existence, and they've all been hits. The company currently sells two cars for the street: the P1 and the MP4-12C, and they both require the “super” moniker. The McLaren P1 made its debut at the Paris motor show in September, and has been the subject of many analyses ever since.