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

Design Contest: Michelin Challenge Design announces 2008 theme and call for entries

Michelin Challenge Design, one of the world's fastest growing transportation design programs, has announced it will continue its focus on safety in 2008 under the central theme of 'Safety over Size.' The 2008 theme was announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit showcased works from vehicle manufacturers, students, as well as the first full-size concept to be submitted by an independent entrant. Rising energy costs, urban congestion and environmental concerns are all contributing to an increased interest in smaller vehicles, but consumers are often hesitant to consider smaller vehicles due to safety concerns that are both real and perceived. Participating designers are encouraged to 'throw away the book' and to present ideas that enhance the real and perceived safety and security of smaller vehicles through design innovations in areas such as accident avoidance, enhanced driver controls, survivability and visibility.

Nissan hosts Taxi of Tomorrow Design Expo

Back in May, we reported that Nissan had successfully fended off competition from Ford and Karsan to be crowned New York's ‘Taxi of tomorrow'. In collaboration with an all-new infrastructure, the NV200 light commercial vehicle would serve the Big Apple from 2013. In preparation of this, the NV200 will be displayed at the Tomorrow Design Expo next month, allowing New Yorkers an opportunity to familiarize themselves with their new yellow cabs. The NV200 features a variety of amenities above and beyond the outgoing Crown Victorias, with the NV200's equipment list ranging from dual-zone climate control and new exterior lighting that includes the standard availability indicators and 'trouble light' (that silently notifies nearby police when the driver is in danger) to a 'horn light' to reduce horn usage and noise pollution.

VW Golf GTI Cabriolet at Geneva. But what about the Golf R Cabriolet?

VW Golf R Cabriolet (left) & Golf GTI Cabriolet Reports say the VW Golf GTI Cabriolet will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. But what’s happened to the VW Golf R Cabriolet? The Worthersee Tour is a huge festival of pimped and preened VW cars held every year in Germany.