Craftsman (item#: 44809) 1/2" Quick Release Ratchet!!! on 2040-parts.com

Mark Vaughn: We’ll always have Vegas

There were a few bare spots on the floor of the Consumer Electronics Show this year, spots that in previous years had been jammed sardine-like with myriad Taiwanese makers of Hello Kitty knockoff cell phone cozies and electronic barking dogs, but the show this year was nonetheless pretty well attended. Besides, for those working their way upstream through the aisles like so many digitally trained trout, the empty spots left by exhibitors that pulled out were like refreshing mountain meadows or little piazzas in crowded Italian cities. Show management stocked the open spots with cushy couches, too, on which many a jet-lagged showgoer snoozed.

Rolls Royce Wraith Drophead OFFICIALLY confirmed

A Drophead version of the Rolls Royce Wraith (pictured) officially confirmed for 2016 The Rolls Royce Wraith – a Ghost Coupe in all but name – arrived in 2013 as an almost properly sporting Rolls Royce, one designed for driving rather than being driven in. But the arrival of the Wraith did beg the question ‘How long will it be before there’s a Wraith Convertible?‘, and we thought that question was answered when Rolls Royce boss, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, said in November last year that a drophead Wraith would make it in to production. But it seems the boss saying something doesn’t necessarily make it official, so Rolls Royce has now officially confirmed today that a new Rolls Royce model – offering effortless, open-top touring – is under development and will arrive in 2016.

Aston Martin allows fans to pick livery on GT3

Aston Martin announced a contest for North American fans last week that would have the winner design the racing livery for the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 that will compete in the Rolex Grand-Am series. TRG-AMR has two concepts approved already; fans will design the third. Contestants can log on to TRG's Facebook page page and submit a design.