There are lots of things you could say about Mercedes-Benz's new ad for the E-Class Estate. The first thoughts to cross our minds were, "Wow, that's a nice slot-car track" and "Wow, that voiceover is a great example of German efficiency -- but not in the good way". Sadly, the one thing none of us thought was, "Oh, this is a car commercial". Terribleness and unintentional hilarity embedded below. [Jalopnik]

Last week, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne unveiled the company's five-year recovery plan. This week, we've received details about Chrysler's electric vehicle program, which has been given a fairly extreme makeover and a new direction.

Most notably, Chrysler's EV development initiative -- known as ENVI -- has been "absorbed into the normal vehicle development program", according to a Chrysler spokesperson. That doesn't mean that electric vehicles are off the proverbial table, however; as many or slightly more workers will be dedicated to EV programs, but in organizational terms, the ENVI team has been split and rolled into Chrysler's...

It feels like summer just ended, but another round of mini-vacations lies just around the corner. Holiday road trips aren't usually as fun as the summertime variety, since they typically involve moms, dads, and eggnog-scented aunts, but a few precautions will make them slightly more enjoyable. We suggest flipping through The Official Shotgun Rules, which clarifies once and for all who is truly entitled to call shotgun. That may not sound like "fun", per se, but it might ward off a couple rounds of backseat noogies when you're heading over the river and through the woods. Peace of mind has to count for something, right? [ShotgunRules via ...