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

The Hidden Work of Design Consultancies

Most major car companies carry out most of their design work themselves, with dedicated design departments increasingly capable of handling every aspect of the design process. But few car companies do not use the services of external car design consultancies for some smaller projects, and many smaller car companies use such consultancies to supplement their more limited in-house design facilities on larger design projects. Throughout the world there are numerous companies offering these design services to car companies.

Mini at the Salone del Mobile, Milan

Mini is using this year's Salone del Mobile in Milan to showcase its 'flair for design.' As with previous years, Mini will be using sites at Milan's Università degli Studi and the Triennale Design Museum for its installations that highlight the brand's 'Creative Use of Space' philosophy. The running theme between the two works is the progression of the brand, from its roots, through to the future of mobility. The Università degli Studi instillation is entitled 'Mini Sintesi' and was initiated by Italian design magazine INTERNI under the watchful eye of Gilda Bojardi.

Volvo XC90 gets a facelift for 2012 – just

2012 Volvo XC90 Facelift - very minor tweaks The Volvo XC90 has been with us for the best part of a decade without any major changes, thanks mainly to Ford pulling the plug on a new XC90 a few years ago. But the outlook is much brighter since the Chinese took the reins at Volvo and we’re certain there’s a new XC90 ready to surface in 2012. But for now Volvo has decided to give the current XC90 a bit of a tweak to take it through to the launch of an all new model.