76 Pinto Fender Emblem Logo 19220 on 2040-parts.com

Nissan’s new lightweight philosophy revealed

The leaked official drawings of the new Nissan Micra might have revealed the conventional styling of the company’s new supermini, but they gave little clue to the dramatically lightweight new platform that underpins it. The new Micra will be significantly lighter and more fuel efficient than the outgoing car due to a ruthless pursuit of weight reduction on the new V-platform (V = versatile), which on average has slashed 50kg from the new car's weight, and up to 70kg on some models. Project leader Noritaka Tsuru described the new package as a 'breakthrough car' that required a complete 'change in mentality' in how Nissan makes cars.

Hyundai unveils sketch of next Sonata

Drawings show that Hyundai's approach to the Sonata design has been completely rethought. Based on the drawings, the 2011 Sonata will have a fluid look, accented with a sharp crease in the side sheetmetal that flows upward, stretching from the front door to the rear of the car, ending on the trunk lid. The thin C-pillar creates a coupelike appearance.

McLaren P1 goes round Top Gear Track with Sergio Perez (video)

We have video of the new McLaren P1 taking on the Top Gear track at Dunsfold in the hands of McLaren’s F1 driver Sergio Perez. We reported from Geneva that Ron Dennis has declared he put the new McLaren P1 round Top Gear’s Dunsfold track a full 10 seconds quicker than the contentious Top Gear lap time set by the Pagani Huayra. So when McLaren sent us a video that declared their new F1 driver, Sergio Perez, had taken the P1 round Dunsfold – and here is the video – we though we might get a proper insight in to just how quick the P1 is.