Old is new again: Will a floor-hinged throttle pedal be in your future?

If you think that every little nut, bolt, switch, gear or widget in your new car wasn't scrutinized by a team of highly educated, overworked car geeks (read: engineers), think again. A couple of recent conversations with automotive engineers confirmed that virtually nothing that goes into a car today is taken for granted. During the recent Pebble Beach weekend, I had the pleasure of spending time with an engineer for Jaguar, and the subject turned to materials used for various switches in the cabin.

Ariel Atom 3.5R (2014) first official pictures

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 07 May 2014 15:20 This is the new Ariel Atom 3.5R, a riposte to Caterham’s mad Seven 620R. It’s made up of the best bits from the manic Atom V8 and the little-less-manic Honda-powered Atoms, and improves upon 2012's Atom 3.5. With a little help from a supercharger.

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 (2011) at 2011 Geneva motor show

This is the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, the new V12 supercar from Sant’Agata. After months of speculation, leaks and drip-feeding, the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 has finally been unveiled on the eve of the 2011 Geneva motor show at the VW’s Group pre-show party. It features an all-new 6.5-litre engine, a carbonfibre chassis and stunning looks.