What elevates a car from a mere appliance is the connection the owner makes with it. A faithful companion, partner in crime, and object of desire, cars become part of the lives we lead, and the stories we leave behind.

Throughout 100 years, there are plenty of stories involving Chevy's cars and their owners. Chevy's online video series "Road We're On" showcases theses personal stories people have had with their cars, both past and present. Often times these experiences not only involve a single person either, but whole communities.

The first of eight episodes is titled "Welcome to Bridgeview. " This first series focuses on the effect Chevy has in the small town of Bridgeview, Pennsylvania. Bridgeview is a town seemingly ripped out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Everybody knows each other, and their stories often intersect with one another as well. It is this effect of Chevy's products on both individual people and communities that has woven Chevy into the very fabric of America.

The episodes can be viewed individually on Youtube and on Chevy's site rodewereon.

Check out the movie trailer above for "The Rum Diaries," one of the new film releases for the fall, and you'll see Johnny Depp driving an amazing red C1 Corvette with the beautiful Amber Heard in the passenger seat. What a combination - a red corvette and a stunning blonde!

This should be a must-see if you're a fan of Johnny Depp movies. The guy can definitely act. Amber Heard is also a rising star despite the cancellation of her TV show. She has an incredible look and she look natural in the period film.

The film is loosely based on a story by Hunter S. Thompson, and that alone should make it one of the best new movies of the year. Thompson has a knack for off-the-wall stories, and Depp is able to capture Thompson's alternate reality. It’s the kind of movie that begs to be seen on the big screen at places like the Leicester Square cinema.

But I still come back to the car. I want it!

We noticed this amazing 1968 Dodge Charger RT at the Councours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach this year. This car is a classic and is definitely on our wish list.

Dodge has come a long way in their attempt to recapture some of the magic from cars like this one. While the new Charger is controversial with the four doors, it still looks like a beast and the new design has been very popular. Meanwhile, the new Challenger really invokes the styles from the past with its retro design. Of course if you buy the newer versions you won't have to spend a lot of time restoring older models, though for many people that's the whole point. That said, keep in mind the other expenses like pretty high car insurance rates due to modified car insurance for cars that you've changed up. That said, whether old or new, badass cars like the Challenger will likely require performance car insurance.

Just looking at the photo above, for many people the additional expenses are worth it. There's something about old classics like this one that you can't replicate. Sometimes older is better.

It's been an up and down week for car enthusiasts. On the one hand, a new Porsche 911 and the upcoming debuts of the Frankfurt Auto Show looks to carry fun cars into the future. On the other hand, the death of the RX-8 (and possibly the rotary engine itself) and the rise of a slightly warmed over Camry, point to the fact that it is still a very harsh market for enthusiast cars to survive in.

However, for your afternoon break, enjoy "Depth of Speed's" JDM Legends Restored. This video shows us that there will always be a place for enthusiast cars in the marketplace because of the emotional bonds people create with them. You won't see videos like this expounding a person's love of their Toyota Camry no matter how many roll off the showroom floors.

Source: Vimeo

The economy is nosediving, there are no jobs, London is burning, and all the hot air in Washington caused a heatwave. But, at least we can all go for a drive and forget about those problems for a bit.

So, sit down, slow down, and enjoy the simple pleasures of any old car, like this BMW 2002. Looking on the bright side of life is a whole lot easier when you have a convertible.

Make sure to take a peek at the video above to see the cobwebs being shaken off some historic rally stars. Shot at this year's Vintage Acroplois Rally in Greece, the video features everything from old Porsches to Group B rally monsters.

10th Historic Acropolis Rally

More good news for Camaro fans. The Z28 is back January 2012!

From Auto Guide.com:

With only 352 days to go before the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 goes into production, you still have ample time to take up chewing tobacco and get acquainted with the music of Whitesnake.

The information comes from a dealer who just attended a national dealer meeting where Chevrolet officials described the product in detail. The name “Z28″ was never officially mentioned, and the car was instead called the “HP Edition”. Equipment for the car in question includes a supercharged 6.2L V8, magnetic shock absorbers, massive tires front and rear (285 width up front and 330 in the rear) and some cosmetic alterations to the bodywork.

Read the full article here.

CNN.com put together a list of 10 car brands that are poised to enter the North American market from old European brands, Asian upstarts and a few U.S. names.

The last five years have brought the biggest upheaval in the global auto industry in a century. China has become the world's largest auto market, and India, Russia, and Brazil are the liveliest up-and-comers.

As part of this overthrow of the old order, new car brands are poised to enter the U.S. market, joining the four dozen that are already here. They range from established European names trying to reestablish a U.S. presence, to young Asian manufacturers looking to expand beyond their local markets, and Silicon Valley startups, hoping to leverage a new concept or technology.

In a speech to Standard and Poor's Auto Industry Hot Topics Conference in New York, Jeff Schuster, executive director of Global Forecasting for J.D. Power and Associates, identified a number of established auto manufacturers that are either planning to enter the U.S. or may be considering it, and another five "boutique startups." Herewith, a selection:

Read the full article.