Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Design Essay: BMW i – Setting the industry agenda for the next decade

Many have already dismissed BMW i as a radical experiment too far ahead of its time, but looking beyond the glossy carbon fiber facade reveals three ways it will change the automotive landscape during the next decade: 1. Re-define the EV category Despite Tesla, Nissan, GM, Renault and Toyota all operating in the EV space, global sales in 2012 totaled just 54,000. Many put this down to high-cost and range anxiety, but another key factor is nearly always overlooked.

Swansea Metropolitan University degree show 2009

Graduates from Swansea Metropolitan University, based on the South Wales coast, exhibited their final year BA and BSc Automotive Design projects at the National Waterfront Museum recently. A relative newcomer to automotive and transport design - this being only the second BA graduate cohort to graduate - the three-year course at Swansea Metropolitan yields a high standard of work, which has received positive industry support in recent years. With projects ranging from the slightly avant-garde to high-quality next generation or niche vehicles, the students were encouraged to select a philosophical direction that they were passionate about yet also suited their desired future career aspirations.

Volkswagen Taigun poised for production

Update: We've added a video of the VW Taigun in action. Check it out below. Volkswagen has moved a step closer to joining the small-SUV ranks -- it will produce its compact Taigun, VW sources told Autoweek.