03-06 Honda Element Ex/lx Front Bumper Insert Lower Trim Plastic Panel Mat Gray on 2040-parts.com

BMW ‘i' subbrand aims for 2013 launch

BMW has confirmed that the new subbrand through which it intends to market a range of advanced stand-alone hybrid, range-extended and plug-in electric models will be called BMW “i.” Created to develop, produce and market what BMW's head of marketing, Ian Robertson, describes as “innovative solutions to premium mobility,” the brand will be supported by a company established by BMW called i Ventures, through which the German carmaker plans to grow its range of mobility services. The i3 and the i8 will be the initial models and are planned for introduction in 2013. “These cars have been designed specifically for their respective alternative drive systems,” said Klaus Draeger, head of BMW's R&D operations.

McLaren 12C Concept showcases McLaren Special Operations (MSO) goodies

The McLaren 12C MSO Concept (pictured) highlights McLaren’s MSO upgrades Unless you’ve ever been and bought a supercar (or a high-end luxury car) new, you may not realise that the regular options list is just the starting point for individual customisation. In fact everyone, from Ferrari to Rolls Royce, will do pretty much whatever you want to your new car if your pockets are deep enough, and it’s a game – and a cash cow – McLaren are keen to make the most of. That’s why we had the extreme McLaren X-1 project a couple of years ago, but that went a lot further than most Mclaren buyers want to go with their new car.

Official photos of the new 2012 Volvo V40 leak out

The new Volvo V40 arrives The new Volvo V40 – dues to debut at the Geneva Motor Show – has leaked ouy early from a Polish Facebook page. We has what looked like the first photo of the new Volvo V40 a week or so ago, but we now have what is undoubtedly the first official photo of the 2012 V40 ahead of its debut at Geneva in a couple of weeks. Looking a bit like a cross between the C30 and the V60, the V40 is a good looking car.