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

Concours d'Elegance of America selects classes for 2012 event

The Concours d'Elegance of America has announced classes for its 2012 event in Plymouth, Mich., where more than 300 cars are expected to be on display. July is several months away, but here are some highlights you can look forward to through the impending winter: -- American classics from 1928 to 1934: While the Great Depression crippled automotive sales, it also motivated designers to work even harder to attract buyers' attention. Some beautifully crafted custom coaches sprung from this period.

Peugeot puts RCZ designer on Twitter

Like many automakers, Peugeot is now making conspicuous use of social media platforms as a component in its new car launch campaigns and in order to manage customer relations online. For its new RCZ coupe, Peugeot in the UK has been running a social media campaign under the strap line "It chooses you", with associated Twitter and Facebook accounts – which culminated with a member of the public winning an RCZ last week. For auto designers, there was little interest in the campaign up until last week, when Peugeot put RCZ designer Boris Reinmöller behind a computer terminal and opened him up to a public Q+A session through its Twitter account.

Renault Twingo concept

Renault has shown a production preview of the next Twingo, due to be replaced early next year. The new car eschews the monovolume of the outgoing model for a more conventional two-box, with friendliness being replaced with dynamism in the front graphic. This sporting theme is furthered by the dropped ride-height and large arches, and is complemented by a music theme.