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

Frank Stephenson on the importance of color in design

During the announcement of the McLaren Automotive's partnership with paints and coatings company, AkzoNobel, Car Design News took the opportunity to discuss the importance of color in design with design director Frank Stephenson. According to Stephenson color's ability to invoke emotions and communicate with viewers, he described just how big a part it has to play in the design process and how it inspires designers when developing products. "The first thing color does is influence the brand – it gives the customer an identifiable element to what we're talking about.

Infiniti EX35

The EX35 is a slightly smaller and more mainstream SUV than its FX bigger brother from which it takes its core 'coupe SUV' theme.  Despite the coupe design references, the vehicle is similar proportionally to the Lexus RX300 and BMW X3 which it will compete with in the US - and also in Europe when the Infiniti brand debuts next year.  Little different to the Infiniti EX concept shown in New York, the EX35 uses the core Infiniti graphic design signatures and soft form language but introduces a new flowing side feature line not seen on the Infiniti G37 Coupe launched a few months ago. Interesting technical innovations include the 'Around View Monitor' that uses four cameras to give a 'top-down view' of the outside of the car, and 'Scratch Shield' - a new self-healing clearcoat paint. Related Stories: Infiniti EX concept - New York Auto Show 2007 Infiniti G37 Coupe - New York Auto Show 2007

Tesla Model X SUV will ONLY be available with four wheel drive

The Tesla Model X (pictured) will only be available with 4WD The Tesla Model X does promise to be a very appealing SUV, even if its main USP for business users – zero BIK – will have been scrapped by the time it arrives in the UK. When it does arrive, prices are expected to be similar to the Model S Saloon and, just as with the Model S, Tesla are planning a variety of battery capacity options and, we thought, an entry-level rear wheel drive model. But Green Car Reports, in response to a reader enquiry, has got confirmation from Tesla that they have now decided that all Model Xs will come only with the 4WD powertrain fitted.