1969 Plymouth Road Runner Gtx Barracuda Satellite Valiant Heart License Plate on 2040-parts.com

AutoDesign Prague 2013: Design from the Heart of Europe

Charismatic designers, inspirational speeches and beautiful cars in an informal and friendly atmosphere was the order of the day at the third edition of the international automotive design conference AutoDesign Prague, which once again highlighted the importance of car culture and tradition's strong roots within the Czech Republic. In recent years, speakers have included prominent figures from the world of automotive design such as the Geely Group's Peter Horbury, Dassault Systèmes' Anne Asensio, Pininfarina's Fabio Filippini and design consultant Peter Stevens. This year's conference was themed ‘Design from the Heart of Europe' and so featured many Czech and Slovakian speakers.

Mini Clubvan (2012) first official pictures

Mini's relentless push to retro-ify all our lives has brought about the seventh model in its range: the new 2012 Mini Clubvan. Essentially a van-spec version of the curious Clubman small estate, it's aimed at small businesses and fans of outdoor hobbies with cumbersome, expensive equipment, says Mini. It's a production version of the concept seen at the 2012 Geneva motor show.

New Ford Kuga (2012): Kick a Kuga (or an Escape) +video

New Ford Kuga / Escape Hands-Free Tailgate - Kick to Open The new 2012 Ford Kuga will debut later this month at the Los Angeles Motor Show (alright, strictly speaking it’s the 2013 Ford Escape – but they’re the same) so Ford has decided to tease the Kuga with its clever tailgate trick. Yes, the new Kuga has a tailgate that has a party trick – it opens when you kick it. Yes, we’ve all hard cars that need their doors kicking to shut them (the new Kuga will do that too), but opening with a kick is a bit of a first.