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

Multi-touch UI reduces touchscreen interaction to simple swipes [w/video]

Touchscreens have become widespread standard features in many cars over the last few years, consolidating the modern car's many functions into one interface. But despite their advantages there's the big downside of driver distraction, something user interface designer Matthaeus Krenn believes he has solved with his UI. Unlike most other touchscreens, Krenn's interface isn't organized into menus and small, hard-to-hit buttons, but instead makes use of multi-touch gestures, reducing the accuracy and attention needed to operate key functions.

Aston Martin IS up for sale. But you knew that.

The Kuwait Investment Dar – Aston Martin’s biggest shareholder – is seeking a buyer for its 64 per cent share of Aston Martin. Just over a year ago, we reported that Aston Martin was up for sale, even though AML were emphatic the company was doing well and not seeking a new owner. But now it seems a year or more of trying to find a buyer on the quiet has failed, so Aston Martin’s biggest shareholder - the Kuwait Investment Dar with 64 per cent – has instructed Rothschild to advise on the sale, according to Bloomberg.

Who's Where: Gerry McGovern to head Land Rover design

Land Rover has announced that Gerry McGovern will take over as Design Director for all Land Rover design with immediate effect. Current Design Director, Geoff Upex, is to retire from the company at the end of 2006 after 23 years service and, to ensure a smooth handover, will continue to play a key role in the launch of new products including the all-new Freelander2/LR2 over the coming months. Gerry McGovern has been Director, Advanced Design, Land Rover, since 2004 and has spent the majority of his career with Land Rover and Rover Group in UK, apart from a short period with Lincoln-Mercury in the USA.