1985-2014 Larosa Black Leather Clasick Harley Softail Chopper Left Saddlebag on 2040-parts.com

Michelin Challenge Design Selects Designs for 2009 NAIAS

The Michelin Challenge Design Jury met in July at Art Center College of Design and selected the designs that will be displayed next January at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) at the Cobo Center in Detroit. The entrants were challenged to create vehicles in support of the central theme ‘BRAVE+BOLD'; America's Next Iconic Vehicle. The designs were evaluated for uniqueness, emotional appeal, design courage and technical execution.

Tesla asks NHTSA to investigate fires

In response to concerns following a recent accident which appeared to result from road debris damaging the underside of a battery compartment of a Tesla Model S, causing a fire in the engine compartment, the company has announced that it has requested that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conduct a full investigation into the fire incidents. In a blog post, Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote the following about the investigation: "While we think it is highly unlikely, if something is discovered that would result in a material improvement in occupant fire safety, we will immediately apply that change to new cars and offer it as a free retrofit to all existing cars. Given that the incidence of fires in the Model S is far lower than combustion cars and that there have been no resulting injuries, this did not at first seem like a good use of NHTSA's time compared to the hundreds of gasoline fire deaths per year that warrant their attention." Tesla has also released a software update to the cars which will maintain their standard ride height at highway speeds, preventing the air suspension from lowering the car an extra inch at highway speeds for greater aerodynamic efficiency.

Toyota FT-86 II (2011) first official picture

Toyota will show a second-gen FT-86 II at the 2011 Geneva motor show. It's unusual to 'facelift' a concept car, but Toyota has form with the much-revised Lexus LF-A concept car which donned more clothes than a model sashaying down the catwalk during its long gestation. The FT-86 II is essentially be a much closer to production look at Toyota's new sports car.