Auto Parts: Peyton Manning Shills for Buick; Toyota Fights "Ghost"; and More

Peyton Manning brought back his aw-shucks charm and dry wit this week, resurfacing as a pitch man for the Buick Verano compact car. He's still got that commercial appeal, however he fares in his new football uniform.

After a year off from football because of a neck injury, and his release by the Indianapolis Colts and subsequent signing by the Denver Broncos, Manning is mounting a comeback on TV already that has nothing to do with NFL games. On the ESPY Awards on ESPN Wednesday evening, Manning introduced a video tribute to Pat Summitt, recently retired head coach of the women's basketball program at the University of Tennessee, Manning's alma mater.

During the telecast, Manning also appeared in the new spot for Verano, pretending to call "audibles" in the car using its voice-activated navigation system. The spot is the most notable bit of marketing for the new Buick entry since its recent TV campaign starring Shaquille O'Neal.

Meanwhile, in other developments in an auto industry where news remains hot even in the depths of a summer in the Northern Hemisphere:

Aston Martin gives official debut to its V12 Vantage Roadster.

BMW advances connectivity with iDriveTouch launch in China.

Bentley introduces first off-roading SUV concept.

Ferrari sees one of its classic 250 GTOs smashed in the "world's most expensive car crash."

Ford touts, ZDNet examines, the "open" digital platform for its cars.

GM announces that head of distressed Opel brand is stepping aside.

McLaren reveals more about its 12C Spider supercar that is debut in U.S. next month.

Porsche now has some models available for rent, via Hertz, in select U.S. cities.

Toyota tries to bury "ghost in the machine" legacy of stuck gas pedals.