Project Runway: Revs My Engine

I have to admit: I wasn't real excited during the first 10 minutes of Project Runway, when I learned that contestants would be making garments out of car parts. It seemed like yet another shameless plug, of which there have been tons this season. This time, it was for Saturn, one of the show's sponsors.

With no time to concoct a plan, designers had to collect their materials out of a bunch of parked Saturns, then go back to the workroom and figure out what to do. And the results made me shift into high gear.

But first, we learned more interesting tidbits about a few of the designers: Suede (whose ‘wackadoodle' count this season is now at four) uses a flat iron to create his ridiculous hairdo. And Stella has a boyfriend named Ratbones, which does not surprise me in the least.

For fun this week, I've equated the outfits to vehicles. Vroom, vroom!:

Kenley: Pontiac Fiero. Remember these cute little sports cars, which were basically made of plastic? Well, Kenley's skirt – constructed from air filters on which she hand-drew zebra stripes – was adorable. But if her model sat down in it or took too big of a stride, the whole thing would come undone... just like the Fiero in a car accident.

Korto: Toyota Corolla. The judges loved her chic coat dress, made from beige seatbelts woven together. But it reminded me of those woven seatbelt purses that have been around for years. The Corolla boasts wonderful craftsmanship, too, but haven't you seen a million of them already?

Joe: Pontiac Aztec. It's not the worst-running car ever driven, but it's for sure one of the most hideous. If I were riding in it – even as a passenger – I'd be wearing a disguise. Maybe something along the lines of Joe's icky frock, which was motocross meets fugly. Good thing he has immunity this week.

Blayne: Kia Optima. The Optima looks nice on the outside, but let's face it: there are a whole lot of abandoned Kias on the side of the road. Blayne used broken mirrors to create a fun embellishment on his seatbelt gown... but it wasn't enough to camouflage this ill-fitting monstrosity that belonged in a junkyard.

Suede: Ford Crown Victoria. Suede did okay considering what he had to work with. But in the real world, his black top and blinding, silver, shredded skirt would warrant an arrest by the fashion police.

Terri: Harley Davidson V-Rod Muscle. Terri's halter and pants set – made from seat cushions, carpets, cargo netting – are elegant, but edgy and urban, too. She'd look right at home driving this bike, or out on the town kicking some ass.

Jerell: Smart Car. His futuristic bustier and skirt feel fresh and innovative ... and they're also very small. But if he parked his model in a lot, everyone would gather around to oooh and aaah.

Leanne: Bentley Continental GTC. I'm shocked. Boring Leanne turns out a car seat, cushion and seatbelt minidress that's luxe, eye-catching and curvy. It could be totally overpriced and people would still want it. She's this week's winner.

Stella: AMC Pacer. This week, everyone's favorite leatha-master departed from her usual MO to try and make something pretty. Instead, she made a skirt and vest that went together about as well as people who have taste and the AMC Pacer. Still, she survives the bottom two, so Ratbones is on his own for at least another week.

Keith: Ford Pinto. Keith should have pumped his brakes with the whining this week. He was so focused on the judges' criticisms from the last challenge that he created an outfit hr thought they'd want to see, instead of a garment he wanted to make. His plan sputtered and backfired – just like a Pinto.

Keith was auf'ed, but not without a whole lot of weeping, making for only a slightly less embarrassing departure than Michael on Design Star, who cried out for his mommy when he was booted from the show over the summer.