The steering wheel deploys back into the driving position when the car is started, the angle of which can be pre-set and saved by the driver.

FORBES: Ready for a Folding Steering Wheel?

This is why Singapore, which wants motorists to be aware of the social cost of their driving, has deliberately designed a device that lights up with the amount being deducted from the driver's pre-paid card each time the vehicle passes an electronic toll gantry.

ECONOMIST: A survey of commuting

That critical relationship was spoofed in the movie "Talladega Nights, " in a pre-meal prayer delivered by fictional NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby, played by actor Will Ferrell.

NPR: Cheating Scandal Mars NASCAR's New Season

The fourth annual vintage-flavored on and off-road rally is scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 27 with a pre-event technical inspection, vehicle display and driver's meeting all taking place at the historic bullring in Mexicali, Baja, Mexico.

ENGADGET: SRI EV1 brings all-electric racing to the Mexican 1000 rally (video)

See, it still has small jump seats behind driver and passenger (suitable for pre-adolescent children only), but these fold flat and the back window pops open, hatchback style.

FORBES: Test Drives

Fossil fuels supply 80% of the world's energy needs and, as the main driver of China's and India's growth, they will remain pre-eminent for decades.

ECONOMIST: Energy