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

Videos: Chris Bangle shares his views on design and the future of car design

Chris Bangle is a man that needs no introduction on these pages. Both revered and castigated, Bangle's work has undoubtedly been influential for a generation of designers. His unconventional practices – employed at a time when design was still largely segregated from other departments during the development process – yielded many avantgarde and contentious designs, but Bangle's fundamental understanding of the design process, creative vision and desire for change can never be cast in doubt. While Bangle shares his views on the future of the car in the video to the right, the video to the left provides an insight into the former BMW design chief's thought processes and gives us a glimpse into his home and studio in the Piedmont region of northern Italy.

Maserati GranCabrio Fendi; half Maserati, half handbag

Maserati GranCabrio Fendi - a handbag on wheels Car maker like to hang a label on a special edition, and Italian car makers quite like the label to be ‘Designer’. Which at least explains the Maserati GranCabrio Fendi, just as it did the Fiat 500 Gucci. Whether it forgives it… So brace yourself for the world of pretension and ‘style’.

2011 Honda CR-Z starts at less than $20,000

The first mainstream hybrid with a six-speed manual, the 2011 Honda CR-Z, will sticker at a shade less than $20,000 when it arrives on the market on Aug. 24. Honda announced pricing for the sporty compact two-seater on Tuesday, and a base car with the manual starts at $19,950, including a $750 destination charge.