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Infographic: How much clay do Ford’s design studios use each year?

Ford has offered an insight into its clay modeling processes with a series of videos and an infographic that charts the process involved in turning a designer's sketch into a full-size model. The infographic uses data taken from all of Ford's global design studios in 2012 to give an idea of how much clay is used in a year, plus how much paint and di-noc film is used to cover each model. Ford has also released a video that gives a behind-the-scenes look at the firm's clay modeling studio in Merkenich, Germany, including interviews with members of the modeling team.

Views of new Jaguar XJ leak out

Here's the proof that Jaguar has finally junked decades of styling heritage with its dramatically detailed new flagship, the XJ sedan. Although there's a family resemblance to the new XF at the front and in the overall, swoopy fastback shape, Jaguar is entering new territory with the rear styling of the car. In a European context, the rear lights nod toward Italian brand Lancia, and a breakthrough feature is the wraparound, dark-colored panel on the D-pillar, which follows the outline of the sloping rear glass.

MINI almost reveals the production Paceman

It’s almost certain the production ready MINI Paceman will debut at Paris in September now MINI has released a set of lightly camouflaged photos. The MINI Paceman – which started as the Paceman, became the Countryman Coupe and is now back to being the Paceman – looks set to debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. As is MINI’s wont, they’re starting to ramp up a bit of PR for the 2-door Countryman Coupe by letting loose a few photos and letting a handful of ‘safe’ car journalist loose on a quick test.