“Generation Y,” according to J.D. Power, isn’t nearly as smitten with the automobile as their predecessors. Not surprising when so many cars need artificial engine sounds. What such cars lack in noise, however, they clearly make up for in efficiency (even if that efficiency can sometimes be difficult to accurately quantify).

With the emphasis clearly being placed on alternative fuel platforms, carmakers are beginning to move beyond novel ideas, like collapsible cars, instead focusing on the kind of  performance-oriented concepts that elicit genuine car lust.

If you’re in California, keep an eye on your insurance company; it looks like they might finally be coming to their senses.

Futuristic tricycles and modern adaptations of LeCar not withstanding, alternative fuel vehicles are more exciting than ever, though apparently it has little to do with the car industry getting smarter (hat tip Around The Sphere).

If you’re a golfer, or just like golf carts, let the government subsidize your new golf cart!

Of course, not everyone in the car industry is getting smarter, as evidenced by former Ford engineer Xiang Dong Yu, accused of stealing trade secrets from Ford. Maybe he wanted the secret to the Ford F-150’s success.

Car seats save little lives (in more ways than the obvious).

Electrics, hybrids, conversions and even the battery business may be big news these days, but there are a couple amazing internal combustion models that make our hearts beat a little faster:

• Toyota’s new Subaru-powered sports car concept will implement the classic Subaru boxer engine.
• The new Volkswagen Golf MkVII has been leaked.
• Lotus’ new Exige Scura reminds us that there’s still room in the world for a good old-fashioned bad-ass sports car.

Watch out for trains. Seriously, racing the train is a really stupid risk to take.

Oh, and make sure you drive one of these six roads before you die!