2007 400ex 400 Ex Frame Stock Oem Lst# 02119 #27b on 2040-parts.com

The Hidden Work of Design Consultancies

Most major car companies carry out most of their design work themselves, with dedicated design departments increasingly capable of handling every aspect of the design process. But few car companies do not use the services of external car design consultancies for some smaller projects, and many smaller car companies use such consultancies to supplement their more limited in-house design facilities on larger design projects. Throughout the world there are numerous companies offering these design services to car companies.

Porsche 911 50 Years Edition (2013) at Frankfurt motor show

Here’s the inevitable special edition 911 to celebrate Porsche’s rear-engined icon’s half-century. The 911 50 Years Edition uses the Carrera 4’s 44mm-wider-than-standard body, rear-wheel drive and the Carrera S’s 395bhp 3.8-litre flat-six engine in either seven-speed manual or PDK form. In a nod to the 911’s birth year, only 1963 examples will be produced, each costing a cool £92,587 – a £10k premium over the Carrera S.

Video: Adrian van Hooydonk on the BMW 4-Series Coupe concept

BMW's Director of Design Adrian van Hooydonk explains the design strategy behind the 4-Series Coupe concept's design in a video interview filmed at the car's reveal at the Munich Design Night. He talks us through how the design team played with the wheelbase length to create new shapes and convey a sense of "elegance and power". Check out the full story and gallery of the BMW 4-Series Coupe concept for more information on the car that will replace the 3 Series coupe.