Auto Almanac
Top Gear
Febreze Auto; about $6 at most department stores, www.febreze.com: Your vehicle is an easy target for spills, but is tough to clean since you just can't throw things in the washing machine. And that means odd smells. Well, the people who make Febreze for households now offer Febreze Auto. The manufacturer claims its "low-scent, maximum-strength" product works on fabric seat covers, carpeted floors and even upholstered infant carriers, but not on anything leather or vinyl.
Drawing Board
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo concept: The Paris (France) Motor Show saw the unveiling of this stunning wagon variant of the Porsche Panamera. Some pundits are suggesting the Sport Turismo Concept that was displayed with a hybrid engine could eventually replace the hatchback, given the controversy surrounding its hind-quarter design. However, it's more likely that the ultrasleek concept will be built within the next two years to go head to head with the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake.
Auto Trivia
n A 1976 Mercedes-Benz 240D that now resides in the company's museum in Stuttgart, Germany, was previously owned by a Greek taxi driver who drove it an astonishing 2.8 million miles.
n Long before Volkswagen adopted the name, the Passat company in England built the first-ever flying car in 1910, using wings that could be folded back when travelling on roads.
Who am I?
To guess his secret identity, read the following clues!
1. You might not have heard of him, but you probably know of the talent he nurtured while in Formula One.
2. "Without (him), I would not be where I am today," legendary F1 driver Jackie Stewart once said.
3. At 6 feet 5 inches, this Brit was known to many simply as "Uncle Ken."
4. His race cars were all painted blue. One even had six wheels.
5. He died at age 77 in 2001 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Still stumped?
Ken Tyrell began as a race driver, but gave it up to be a team owner who developed other more talented drivers.
Top Gear
Whispbar; about $450-$550, www.yakima.com/learn/whispbar: The company states that Whispbar racks have been specifically designed by a former Rolls-Royce aircraft engineer to cut down on wind noise, aerodynamic drag and vibration. And that apparently helps fuel efficiency (hey, every little bit helps). There are four different styles of Whispbar.
