You almost have to feel sorry for Patricia Smith, the former controller at Baierl Acura who embezzled over $10 million from the suburban Pittsburgh dealership. Despite having stolen roughly $4,000 a day, seven days a week, for seven years, Smith’s personal automotive aspirations extended no further than a new Honda Crosstour. Apparently being a criminal mastermind does not ensure good taste. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: Aston Martin Vanquish Configurator Now Online
If you’ve got a few seconds to spare, we suggest heading toward the Aston Martin website for a little virtual window shopping. The supercar manufacturer has officially rolled out the configurator for the new Vanquish, and while the options are limited to a gaggle of colors, a few wheel choices and some carbon fiber trim, it’s still fun to figure out just how annoying we can make the new ultra luxury machine. Sadly, the company doesn’t offer a paisley vinyl wrap to match our smoking jackets. Funk Flex
Auto Talk:Holden to maintain its identity within GM
Unbeknownst to us, observers of Holden, General Motors’ Australian subsidiary that has helped The General make some of its finest product, have wondered if the austral brand’s identity would get swallowed up in the push to create a cohesive, global Chevrolet. Three products headed to the antipodes have aroused the question: although the Colorado pickup (pictured in Holden concept form) and SUV wear Holden badges, both have the Chevrolet twin-bar grille, and the Holden Volt has the twin-bar grille and a mashup of the Holden and Chevy logos. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: Ford giving away four Mustangs through updated customizer
Ford has given its Mustang customizer a reboot, and to celebrate, the company is giving fans the chance to win a Mustang V6, GT, Boss 302 or Shelby GT500. Funk Flex
Auto Talk:Skoda recreates Stonehenge out of old cars
The UK has a burgeoning car market filled with all sorts of cars we don’t get here. So to get buyers’ attention, automakers need to make a real splash. To that end, Skoda has erected a fresh take on one of the island nation’s oldest landmarks… only in a more automotive form. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: Porsche announces Powerkit upgrade for 911 Carrera S
It’s been less than a year since Porsche released its latest iteration of the iconic 911 range, and along with it the more powerful Carrera S model. And already the German automaker is offering an upgrade. Funk Flex
