98-01 Chevy Metro; 98-01 Suzuki Swift Left & Right Headlamp Units (pair) on 2040-parts.com

Peter Stevens and Julian Thomson lead a discussion on the past, present and future of car design

As part of its sponsorship of London's Clerkenwell Design Week, Jaguar and the Royal College of Art brought together three generations of the design school to discuss the past, present and possible future of car design. Held in a suitably grimy warehouse in east London – with the sculpture by RCA students Ewan Gallimore and Claire Mille's we showed you earlier this week sat outside – Professor Dale Harrow, dean of the School of Design and head of its Vehicle Design program introduced Professor Peter Stevens, Julian Thomson, Jaguar's advanced design director and Alexandra Palmowski project designer advanced colour and material at Jaguar took the audience through their careers. Charismatic as ever, Peter Stevens kicked off proceedings that moved chronologically through the decades by explaining how he first became interested in "the art if car design, allied to the science of how they work" through his artistic parents and uncle – journalist and motoring adventurer – Denis Jenkinson during the 1950s and 60s.

Ford opens proving grounds to the public

For the first time ever, Ford is opening its Dearborn, Mich., proving grounds to the public on Oct. 15. Ticketholders to the Get Your Heart Racing event can take hot-lap ride-alongs around the test track with professional drivers Tanner Foust and Parnelli Jones.

Audi Q8 Coupe SUV and Audi A9 coupe on the way

It looks like Audi are to fill more automotive niches with the Audi Q8 Coupe SUV and Audi A9 coupe planned to extend the Audi range. The idea that Audi would jump on the coupe SUV bandwagon has been around for some time. In fact, we reported almost two years ago that Audi would be launching a range of coupe SUVs to slot in between their regular SUV offerings and would use the Q2, Q4, Q6 and Q8 monikers.