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

CDN-Interior Motives China Conference 2014 – Day 2

Chris Bangle gave those contemplating a lie-in after the first day of the CDN-Interior Motives conference the incentive to grab a front-row seat for his opening keynote. Thought-provoking, clear and inspirational as ever, we will cover Bangle's 'State of the Union: Time for Deep Car Design?' presentation in a separate feature. There's simply too much to cover in detail to include here.

Kia's Forte Super Bowl ad features violent android lady

There's no Jimmy Cliff or Flaming Lips in Kia's Super Bowl ad for the new Forte, but we can't help thinking they're the second company this week to miss out on co-opting seminal New Jersey punk outfit the Misfits' “We Are 138.” While attaching the song to the unveiling of Ferrari's new F138 was a no-brainer from a numerically synergistic standpoint, the track's poppy brutality and ominous query, “Is it time to be an android, not a man?” dovetails perfectly with the rise-of-the-sexy-machines theme of the Kia clip. Clearly, the android in this spot -- portrayed by former Miss USA Alyssa Campanella -- has the upper hand over the poor schnook oiling up the new Forte with his greasy mitts. We can't help thinking the whole ad would've been better if the Misfits' original pint-size vocal dynamo Glenn Danzig had been involved somehow.

Citroen C4 Picasso five-seat

This is the new five-seat version of the C4 Picasso following the seven-seat model shown at the Paris Motor Show, which will now to be known as the Grand C4 Picasso. Naturally enough then, the two cars will compete with the standard and Grand Renault Scenics, the new Citroen C4 Picasso also tackling the handsome Volkswagen Golf Plus. The C4 Picasso shares its front half with its bigger stablemate while the rear has become more fastback in style, blackened pillars and dipping beltline also reminding of the Citroen C-Sportlounge concept.