0-04 Nissan Frontier Xterra Radio Cd Face Plate Cy130 Jc6717 on 2040-parts.com

Design Essay: Are smart roads just around the corner?

In order to remain relevant, the car must constantly evolve. But while almost all attention focuses on four wheels, the roads that facilitate an automobile's progress have remained relatively unaltered since Eisenhower formed the National Highway system in the 1950s. With environmental concerns getting ever higher on the agenda, there is an opportunity to think outside the (metal) box and rethink the road, making it as smart as the vehicles and devices that travel upon it.

Dacia Duster SUV: Mark Webber goes Desert Driving (video)

We have video of Red Bull’s Mark Webber playing with the new Dacia Duster in the Desert Dunes of Oman. But it’s not the £9k Duster FWD that holds the most appeal, but the 4WD version that starts from £10,995, even if it does come with steel wheels and a very basic spec. At that sort of price it looks like a real bargain; the perfect ‘DoFor’ car for anyone who lives anywhere near anything muddy or susceptible to snow.

Trio of Mitsubishi concepts bound for Tokyo

Mitsubishi is bringing three new concepts to next month's Tokyo motor show, the first to be developed with the automaker's ‘@earth' design philosophy. The carmaker says the three will emphasize Mitsubishi's engineering and advanced technologies that embody environmental responsibility, driving pleasure, toughness and safety. Concept GC-PHEV is a full-size SUV that uses a high output PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) system and is billed as a ‘connected car' offering preventive safety technology, wireless connectivity and driver support.