Arctic Cat Zr Zl 600 Efi Exhaust Expansion Chamber 0712-233 Powder Special 500 on 2040-parts.com

First sight: Volkswagen Passat (2015)

In recent years, European buyers have been switching their mid-size sedans and wagons for smaller cars, crossovers and SUVs. The Volkswagen Passat, Europe's most successful company car, has defined this market segment pretty much since it arrived back in 1973, and this latest, eighth-generation model has been designed to attempt to reverse that buying trend. When we catch up with design director Dr Klaus Bischoff at the car's unveiling, he's certainly confident that the new car represents a significant step forward.

Subaru Canada reveals ‘Driving Confidence’ contest winners

Subaru Canada has revealed the top three designs from its ‘Driving Confidence' competition. The Canadian division of the company collaborated with the artist web site deviantART and called for "original creations that celebrate the bold design, superior handling, and meticulous engineering that Subaru vehicles are renowned for." The challenge asked for competitors to push their creativity "to the limit", which many of them did with some impressively-abstract designs. The winner won $2,500 for "Born to Rally in the Snow," the second place received $1,000 for "Unleash the Beast," while third place was awarded $500 for "Subaru Slot Car Set." The runner-up was "Subaru Impreza WRC Rally 'The Pass 2'." All of the submissions are being displayed at Subaru's booth at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto and in the gallery above.

‘GEN Y 2012 – Express Yourself’ contest launched

Liberty Electric Cars has launched a competition for design students calling for ideas for a revolutionary ‘Car of the Year' 2020. The company, which specializes in electric vehicle (EV) drivetrain technologies for multiple vehicle platforms, has asked for students to create a revolutionary electric vehicle for its ‘GEN Y 2012 – Express Yourself' contest. The design must be targeted for Generation Y (between 18 and 29 years old), with the brief stating that the vehicle "should be iconic in shape and allow the user to express their own personality." The vehicle should also "become a fashion item, fun to drive and should use innovative technologies and materials that can be easily configured according to the driver's requirements." The contest is open for students enrolled in a college or university-level design program, either in transportation, product or fashion design, engineering or architecture.