03 - 04 Volvo V40 S40 Keyless Entry Remote Hyq12bbm on 2040-parts.com

All-new MINI dashboard goes mainstream (spy photo)

The all-new MINI – the third generation of the new MINI – is due later in 2013 and will be getting a more mainstream dashboard. Whatever you may think of the ‘new’ MINI – the one BMW make – it’s been a huge success. And it’s been a huge success because it’s managed to evoke the spirit of the original Issigonis Mini without being a pastiche.

Exclusive: Frank Stephenson to become Design Director at McLaren

Thanks to our contacts in the automotive design community, we've become aware that Frank Stephenson, who until recently was Director of Design at Alfa Romeo, will be taking on a new role as Design Director at McLaren. "McLaren is pleased to confirm that Frank Stephenson will shortly join as Design Director," a company spokesperson told CDN, but would not reveal additional details. Stephenson was not prepared to comment.

2013 Buick Verano Turbo turns up the power

Buick is adding a turbo variant this fall as the premium model for the Verano lineup. While it's meant to be sporty, the idea behind the sedan is to offer buyers a reasonably powerful option that allows for more amusing commutes, but admittedly, it isn't a dedicated performance model. This is a measured approach, which means extra output for expressway merges and launches from lights, but no hard-core suspension or brake packages.