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

Design Services: Ficosa International

In the hierarchy of car design the exterior of a powerful sports car is usually regarded as the highest level whilst the design of some of the smaller functional components tends to sit at the bottom. But even for companies not obviously dependant on sexy curves to help them make money, design is increasingly being recognised as a critical ingredient for commercial success. Whilst most large suppliers have grown their design capability over the last decade, few have truly embraced the potential of having a focus on Design within their corporate strategy.

Saab Phoenix concept (2011) at 2011 Geneva motor show

Saab issued one of the few genuine surprises of the Geneva show: the Phoenix concept car, designed to show the newly independent brand's stylistic future. Named after the Phoenix platform underpinning many of the company's future products including next year's new 9-3, the concept car is a dramatic coupe. It's the first car designed by Jason Castriota, the new design chief.

Motorcycle helmet integrates head-up display, GPS and rear-view camera

Silicon-Valley start-up Skully Systems will ship its 'world's smartest' motorcycle helmet from next year. It costs $1,399, and draws together a host of technology features that are already becoming familiar to car drivers and makes them available to motorcyclists for the first time. The helmet's visor features the firm's 'Synapse' see-through head-up display system that shows information like navigation data, bike speed, and a 180-degree angle feed from the rear-view camera mounted on the back of the helmet.