SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, FOLLOWED BY THICK DARK SMOKE COMING FROM THE GEAR SHIFT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. LOSS OF STEERING FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF BRAKES. COASTED TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION. UPON EXITING THE CAR THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAD BEGUN TO MELT. FLAMES WHERE COMING FROM UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER FENDER WELL. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ON FIRE. *TR