1986 Yamaha Exciter 570 Headlight Assembly on 2040-parts.com

New dynamic 3D button touchscreen tech

A pioneering new technology allows touchscreens to ‘grow’ dynamic buttons from flat surfaces. The new technology, developed by US company Tactus Technology, uses minute channels within the screen to siphon liquid into button shaped cavities that then rise when pressed, alleviating some of the muscle-memory and distraction issues often leveled at touchscreens. Craig Ciesla, CEO of Tactus Technology, says that it was his desire to merge the elegance of the iPhone's user interface with the tactility of Blackberry buttons that led to the technology's development.

Toyota Prius points the way to design future

For a glimpse of Toyota's future design trends, check out the Prius. The third generation, debuting Monday in Japan, stays true to the line's role as a vanguard of futuristic styling and sports many new elements that will be popping up soon in other models. Chief among these are the sharply creased corners, the forward placement of the Toyota badge, a lowered grille and styling that Toyota's global design chief Wahei Hirai calls "free-form geometrics." The goal was to create an avant-garde, high-tech look that also screams green.

Volvo: Geneva Motor Show 2013

Volvo has facelift versions of the S80, V70 XC70, S60, V60 and XC60 plus Cyclist Detection, new Auto High Beam and a tie-up with Spotify at Geneva. That’s down to Volvo’s decision to give almost their whole range a facelift (with the exception of the too new to facelift V40 and the soon to be replaced XC90) to keep their cars fresh-looking until they’re replaced. The comprehensive range makeover means a new Volvo face – inspired by Volvo’s Concept You – with a wider-looking nose, new bumpers, tweaks to the emissions and economy and new options on the S80, S60 and V60.