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

Wheel maker connects with exotic clientele via social media

Reaching potential buyers of custom wheels for exotic cars takes more than buying ads in magazines. Miami-based ADV.1 Wheels is building a business fueled by a social-media approach that includes car-forum interaction, photo shoots and short films on the Internet. The company launched a Facebook fan page in late March, has received more than 59,000 “likes” and aims for 100,000--at which point ADV.1 Wheels has promised to give away a set of the company’s Trakfunction wheels.

Umea Institute of Design degree show 2010

Earlier this month, Car Design News attended Umea University's annual degree show. Covering student work from the MA Interaction Design, Advanced Product Design and Transport Design programs and the BA Industrial Design program, it was the first exhibition overseen by Umea's new Rector, Anna Valtonen, formerly head of Design Research & Foresight at Nokia. In a departure from the show's traditional format, this year saw keynotes and workshops spread over two days.

17 definitive concept cars feature in new Atlanta exhibition

Atlanta's High Museum of Art is gearing up for the opening of a new exhibition featuring some of the world's most influential concept cars. Dream Cars: Innovative Design, Visionary Ideas runs from 21 May to 7 September and includes 17 concept cars – and associated drawings and models – from the 1930s to the 21st Century. The aim of the exhibition is to demonstrate how these vehicles shifted the notion of The Car from that of a purely functional device to an embodiment of future possibilities.