Mark your calendars, folks: September 26, 2009 is the date of the "Icons of Speed & Style" auction, hosted by RM Auctions in Los Angeles. Among the beauties on the block: the outstanding 1850 'Boothill Express' Custom Show Rod (at left), "based on the 1850s funeral coach that reportedly carried James Gang member Bob Younger to his grave", and the legendary Road Agent, designed by Ed "Big Daddy" Roth. Best of all: every rod is offered with no reserve. So...is it too early to ask for our Christmas presents now?

[RMAuctions via BoingBoing]

You might be able to swing quite a deal today on one of the most luxurious off-road-worthy barges, but be prepared to pay extra—over and over again—in your insurance premiums.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, 2009 Hummer H2, and 2009 Range Rover rank as the most expensive SUVs to insure, according to the insurance shopping site Insure.com.

The G-Class has especially expensive parts, while the H2 is known to cause way more damage than average to other vehicles when in an accident; the Range Rover, on the other hand, is a theft target.

The list also includes several more of the biggest, priciest scene-stealing SUVs that tend to be popular in...

Remember when we raved about all-electric Zero Motorcycles but were let down by their lack of noise? (Jay Leno agreed.) Well, it turns out that folks have similar concerns about hybrid and electric cars--especially in places like Japan, where hybrid sales are strong. Because the motors of those vehicles run so quietly in electric mode, they can pose a safety hazard to pedestrians. As a result, noise-making devices like Lotus' "Safe & Sound" (demoed above) could become a required feature on new cars. Or, drivers could just crank up the Loudness.

[MotorAuthority]