By John Coyle

Deputy Editor

While the Cash for Clunkers program hasn’t been well-received by members of CarDomain, it’s proven incredibly popular with, like, everyone else. Yesterday, we got news the program might run out of money in September, but apparently reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated. This morning the House voted to pump another two billion bucks into Clunkers, which insures we’ll be seeing even more sad pictures of doomed vehicles than we originally thought. Details over at MSNBC.com.

It looks like most of the public is behind the bailing out the Big Three, but GM isn’t taking any chances. The General has just released this clip, which lays out its case for the $25 billion dollar cash infusion, and it makes things look pretty dire. Now, given the make-up of the Hill, I don’t see any help for Detroit passing this year, but I think that America’s automakers will eventually get some cash from Uncle Sam. Of course, I sincerely hope that there will be some conditions attached to the money—that means no million dollar executive bonuses, Ma Mopar—so it doesn’t become a total SNAFU like the bank bailout. But that’s just me. Think this clip is scary enough?

Apparently, US service people aren’t allowed to have any booze when deployed in a combat zone. But according to the German defense ministry, a million liters of alcohol—mostly beer—have been sent to its soldiers fighting in Afghanistan. Now that’s what I call supporting the troops! Anyway, here’s the news:

• Will Obama appoint a "Car Czar?" Given the importance of the domestic auto industry, it’s not a bad idea. And while I’m not a fan of Thomas Friedman—life sure is easy when your wife is loaded—I liked his idea about letting Steve Jobs run GM. But why not let Jobs supervise the whole show? Nowadays, cars are basically just rolling computers anyway. Detroit News
• Here’s a headline for you: "GM Asks Employees to Beg Congress for Money." It’s accurate, and as a fan of the General, I have to say it hurts a little. But how about looking at the bright side? "Ain’t too proud to beg" actually has a pretty nice ring to it. I can see the ad spots already… Wired
• Tesla, the company struggling to prove its Roadster isn’t vaporware, left Detroit a month ago. But guess which company is getting ready to set up show in the Motor City? Yup, arch-rival and recent court foe Fisker. Will it have better luck? New York Times
• The market sucks, everybody is worried about losing their jobs, and its stock is in the toilet, but the Blue Oval is coming out swinging with a bevy of new models. Given the hot little rides it already sells across the pond, Henry’s company could hit the ground running. Motor Authority

While I don’t eat at McDonald’s very often, I have to admit that occasionally I get a craving for one of its cheeseburgers, so this page kind of freaked me out. Now, I don’t know if this is real or not, but if one its burgers still looks like this after 12 years, then there’s something spooky going on at McHeadquarters. Anyway, here’s the news:

• Today, the House passed a bill that will allow the government to loan 25 billion to desperate US automakers at below market rates. Strangely, the only Representatives that objected to the bill were from the great state of Michigan. Kidding. Detroit News
• Aston Martin has already announced it will be reviving the long-dormant Lagonda marque. But now, there are rumors of a Lagonda SUV. Let’s hope this is just speculation, and Aston’s brass just decides to make a gorgeous luxury sedan. The world can never have to many of those. Car and Driver
• Does the idea of your car’s black box meticulously tracking your every move make you nervous? Because it’s caused one prospective GT-R owner to cancel his order. Nissan says the box "isn’t intended to spy on unsuspecting GT-R drivers" which seems like an admission that it could be used to spy on unsuspecting GT-R drivers. Just one more reason to stick to old cars. AutoWeek
• Daimler AG is kicking the last remnants of Ma Mopar to the curb. Cerberus now owns the entire company, and all the headache that comes with trying to manage a domestic automaker in this economic climate. Auto Observer

Ok, so stealing people’s property isn’t funny. But it’s really hard not to laugh when said property is a robot gorilla, there’s a ransom video involved, and the AP story detailing the whole sordid mess mentions a Robot Gorilla Factory. Fortunately, the mechanical primate has been found unharmed, and is being held by Vermont state police until the owners can arrange to pick it up. Let’s hope it’s not one of the rogue models last seen antagonizing Dale Jr., or that the boys down at the station at least have plenty of Amp Energy on hand. Anyway here’s the news:

• Spy shots of the 2010 Mustang interior have surfaced and the big surprise is… nothing, actually. In fact, you really have to study these pictures to see any differences from the current model. But does that really matter? Personally, I think the best thing Ford could do is offer an interior delete package. How cool would that be? Jalopnik
• Yesterday, I wrote about how Las Vegas Hummer is closing, and how that doesn’t portend well for the brand. But the real kicker to the story? The owner of the doomed dealership is going to start selling smarts instead. Talk about a total reversal! Wall Street Journal
• Should parents be liable for what their children do behind the wheel? It’s an interesting question, and it opens up a gigantic can of worms. One person who thinks it’s a bad idea? The Hulkster. For sure. Autoweek
• House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pushing to give American automakers some 50 billion in loans. Hopefully, the cash infusion will allow America’s struggling industry to get back on its feet. But isn’t 50 billion, like, pocket change to Uncle Sam? Freep

A new study has found that people who take anti-depressants are worse drivers than folks who don’t. I don’t really know what to say about those findings, but I after I banged up my Jag, I was pretty depressed. Anyway, here’s the news:

• Like cowboys, Lone Star beer and the right to carry a firearm into church, pickup trucks have a special place in the hearts of Texans. So when his home owner’s association told Jim Greenwood he couldn’t park his new F150 in his driveway, he got pissed. The kicker? Escalades and other SUVs are allowed, because they "cater to a different class of people." Seriously. Dallas Morning News
• The United States is winning a lot of medals at the Olympic games, and that’s great, if you care. But right now, there are ten times more engineering students in China than there are here at home, and in the grand scheme of things, that means a lot more than some victories in an athletic competition. Wired
• The General is betting a lot on the Volt, so its a little surprising that the company is going to market the car as an Opel in Europe. What’s the deal? Doesn’t the company want everyone to know that bad boy is its baby? Motor Authority
• In other GM-related news, the General will not be plunking down dollars to sponsor the Oscars or the Emmys this year. Now, it could be a money thing, but it could also have something to do with the fact neither telecast is remotely entertaining. Detroit News
• Everybody knows Ma Mopar isn’t in the best shape, but if you were wondering how tense the execs are, the following exchange might give you a hint. When asked how long Chrysler could stay afloat, president Tom LaSorda fired back "We’re gonna rebound, it’s just a matter of when." Um, ok. Whatever you say man. Freep

Last night, I went to see Wanted, and even though I’m not totally down with the amount of CGI in action movies these days, it was still pretty dope. Toward the beginning, there’s a sequence where Angelia Jolie is hanging out the shattered windshield of a Viper and firing backward while steering with her foot. Believable? No way. Hot? Oh. My. God. Yes. Anyway, here’s the news:

• President Bush has said that Uncle Sam isn’t going to bail out the Big Three. I honestly didn’t know where I stood on that issue, but after learning about Bush’s stance, I’ll support a bail out on general principle. 01.20.09! Autoblog
• What will the next-gen Porsche 998 look like? Well nobody—in the press at least—knows for sure, but these pics suggest power train development is well underway. And while I’m sure it will be a fast and capable machine, it won’t be as pretty as a Lambo or Aston. Motor Authority
• GM isn’t in great shape financially, but its plan to get its ass in gear must have been well-received as the company’s stock rose almost 16 percent yesterday. Nice work, General. I’m pulling for you! Detroit News
• When it comes to fleet fuel economy, you’d figure that Toyota just stomps Chevy, wouldn’t you? Well guess what? You’d be wrong. Automotive Traveler

Some people never change. After getting into a 100MPH chase with the cops back in early June, a 77 year-old Montana man has been popped again. After an officer clocked him doing over 80MPH in his Shelby Mustang over the weekend, the speedy septgenarian fled, only to be arrested later at his home. Funny stuff. Anyway, here’s the news.

• The Isle of Man TT motorcycle race is one of the most exciting events in the world. And next year, there will be a race for green bikes after the main race is wrapped up. Electric race bikes? Bring it on! Wired
• Crash tests are going to get tougher. Since most cars are already acing the current battery, the government decided it was time to make them harder. Makes sense to me. Detroit News
• After surviving a vote of confidence last month, disgraced F1 boss Max Mosley hasn’t faded into the background. He’s pushing hard for new regulations, and he just might get them. Auto Week
• People were pissed about the proposed doubling of London’s controversial congestion charge, but Porsche did more than just gripe about it. The automaker filed an suit to have it struck down. And guess what? It won! Autoblog
• Alfa Romeo has just announced that it will partner with BMW to sell cars in the states. But still no word on a sexy little RWD 2+2. Apparently that’s too much to ask. Motor Authority

After months of sky-high gas prices, some of the Senators in Washington are starting to act, well, high. John Warner, a Republican Representative from Virginia, is making noise about bringing back the mandatory 55 MPH speed limit, which he thinks would be a smart way to conserve fuel. Of course, if everyone were to slow down, the country would consume less gas, but getting drivers to comply would be an enforcement nightmare, and after years of ripping along at 70 and above, I doubt drivers would relinquish their right to drive fast without a fight. For more info on why bringing back the double nickel is a bad idea, check out this piece over on Motorists.org.

Lots to get to today, and more important than that, I can’t think of anything really interesting to say. Hey, it happens to the best of us. Here’s the news:

• A heavily camoed version of the 2010 Mustang has been spotted in the wild. And when I say "heavily camoed" I actually mean "looks like an inflated Hefty bag on wheels." Autoblog
• With truck sales going down the toilet, Ford is pulling out all the stops to try to make people spring for the heavy iron. This month, the Blue Oval will let customers have an F-Series for the same price as a Ford employee. That should generate at lot of revenue. Jalopnik
• Can $100 buy you victory at a car show—even if you don’t use it to buy one of the judges? Apparently, if you throw in a little elbow grease, it can. The Truth About Cars
• After learning that their plant was going to be shuttered, workers in Oshawa, Ontario have blockaded GM’s Canadian headquarters. Along with being constructive, I’m sure this is totally legal. Automotive News
• Curious as to how Max Mosley—AKA Nazi orgy guy—won his vote of confidence yesterday? This article explains exactly. AutoWeek
• Senators are not stoked on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s proposal to make auto roofs stronger. Sure, the current standards are 35 years-old, but think about all the money our representatives would lose from the powerful People Who Like Being Crushed lobby. Detroit News