04 Saab 9-3 Sun Visor/shade L. 338449 on 2040-parts.com

Autodesk European Automotive Days 2008

The 2008 Autodesk European Automotive Days conference was held last week in Munich, bringing together 200 automotive design and visualization experts. Autodesk presented their strategy and vision for industrial design, with an emphasis on 'digital prototyping', where even at the concept stage the digital model is treated not just as a set of surfaces, but is integrated within the engineering process as as a functional digital prototype, with the aim to eventually replace physical models entirely. There was also a recognition that traditional techniques continue to have an important place alongside digital workflows, as the workflows and technologies continue to evolve.

Donato Coco announced as new Ferrari Design Chief

Donato Coco has been appointed as Ferrari's new Chief Designer, starting November 14. It is a move that fills the void left by Frank Stephenson, who earlier this year moved to head the Fiat, Lancia and Light Commercial Vehicles styling center. "Coco will have the job of stimulating and directing the creativity of Ferrari's partners, which in terms of styling include our historic partnership with Pininfarina," Ferrari said.

One Lap of the Web: DeLorean engine swaps, 2013 Women's World Car of the Year and the best French cars

We spend a lot of time on the Internet -- pretty much whenever we're not driving, writing about or working on cars. Since there's more out there than we'd ever be able to cover, here's our daily digest of car stuff on the Web you may not otherwise have heard about. -- We've driven the new BMW 4-series and found it worthy of being the 3-series coupe's successor.