20x8.5 Black Tis 533b Wheels 5x4.5 5x4.75 +18 Jeep Cherokee Liberty Wrangler on 2040-parts.com

VW Scirocco GTS launches – but not in UK

There’s a new Scirocco available across Europe from this month – the VW Scirocco GTS – but it’s not coming to the UK. The GTS is more of a trim level than a stand-alone model and you can grab it with a variety of engines – 1.4 litre TSI, 2.0 litre TSI and 2.0 litre TDI – as the GTS trim just adds cosmetic tweaks to the Scirocco and nothing in the way of power or performance upgrades. Those cosmetic tweaks amount to  thumping great black stripes up the bonnet bordered by thinner red stripes (which all continues over the top and down the back of the GTS), red covers for the door mirrors, 18″ alloys, a spoiler at the back (nicked from the Scirocco R) and a more butch back bumper with diffuser.

BASF annual color trend report

Materials giant BASF has presented the findings of its annual color trend report, created by a team of designers scouting out global textile and furniture trade shows for information. And while some may think color trends are simply at the whim of designers, BASF's report identifies influences such as socio-political climate, interior design, architecture, technology and pop culture. 'Green luxury' is not an oxymoron The trend towards blues is continuing, while earthy tones and colors also reflect ecological awareness.

Honda Open Study Model (OSM): more details

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 26 August 2008 11:49 CAR Magazine has been given special access to the Honda Open Study Model (or OSM for short), in the wake of the British International Motor Show where it made its world debut. But what the hell is the OSM all about? Honda plays a game of cat and mouse with reporter Ben Barry, who turns detective after being stonewalled whenever he asks a difficult question.