Aircraft Spinner Bulkhead C-23 Beech Sundowner on 2040-parts.com

Tesla increases Roadster production

By Nick Eaton Motor Industry 11 September 2008 11:30 Tesla Motors is about to ramp up production of its Roadster, having secured supply of a new single-speed gearbox from BorgWarner. Tesla began producing the Roadster in March 2008, but all 27 cars so far delivered to customers have effectively been interim models because the original two-speed ‘box was deemed too fragile for long-term use. The original thinking was that the Roadster would require two gears to achieve the best possible acceleration, and on that point Tesla was right.

Color & trim focus: Six of Poltrona Frau’s auto collaborations

Collaborations between the car industry and the world of product design are fraught with difficulties, are usually fleeting and all too often end in (marketing department) tears. One of the few possible exceptions is Italian leather and furniture company Poltrona Frau. Its 102-year history includes the 904 ‘Vanity Fair' chair from 1930 and the more-recent 2009 Archibald chair by Jean-Marie Massaud.

CCS-AISI Project 2008

The College for Creative Studies (CCS) recently celebrated 20 years of partnership with the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).  Illustrating that environmental responsibility needn't come at the expense of design, power or desire, three students created their individual vision of a "Green Steel" concept car, resulting in the Lincoln Continental, Mazda Hyoryu and Mitsubishi Synthesis. Considering the current energy and environmental global crisis, the students involved in this project took the opportunity to re-think mobility for the year 2040 by developing innovative adaptations for automobiles and proposing a more humanistic approach to transportation.  Mitsubishi Synthesis Dave Owsen This automated 'travelling entertainment center of the future' bridges the gap between public and personal transportation. Utilizing the city traffic tier of the transportation network for navigation, the vehicle also creates a brand media experience for young urban commuters, combining elements of transportation and entertainment.