Alpena Flexneonz Blue Flexibility 24" on 2040-parts.com

MIT develops self-transforming materials that behave 'like robots without robots'

A cross-disciplinary research lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a suite of programmable materials, including carbon fiber, printed wood grain, textile composites, rubbers and plastics, that self-transform when exposed to an external stimulus. Director of the Self-Assembly Lab, Skylar Tibbits, presented a TED talk on 4D printing in 2013, where he demonstrated how a flat sheet of material could effectively build itself when exposed to water, like a robot without a robot. Following positive feedback from industries including aviation, automotive and manufacturing, his lab has been working on developing materials that change according to different activation sources, including heat, light, and air pressure, in addition to water – all of which have automotive relevance.

Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV made its production debut at a special launch event ahead of the 2012 Bangkok International Motor Show and now Chevrolet has confirmed that the vehicle will be available to purchase throughout the world, starting in Thailand in June. The car was created by the GM South America Design Center in São Caetano do Sul, Brazil, and shares a number of design cues with the Chevrolet Colorado, following the brand's global design DNA. The dual-port grille, synonymous with the brand's range, is again present with the bow tie proudly displayed on the horizontal bar.

Kia Provo upsets Northern Ireland

The Kia Provo Concept for a funky urban car has run in to trouble in Northern Ireland as its name evokes the Troubles. Looking like a Kia take on the Juke – although we think Kia see it more as a take on the MINi Countryman / MINI Paceman – it looks like a perfect direction for Kia to take with a ready market for butch little cars for blatting round town growing all the time. But you can’t please all the people all the time, and Kia has run in to trouble with the Provo already, as Unionist MPs in Northern Ireland have taken exception to the name.