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.

Vauxhall Meriva concept teaser (2008)

By Glen Waddington First Official Pictures 21 February 2008 16:22 It's suicide time for Vauxhall's mini-MPV. This sneak preview of the Meriva concept to be unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show reveals suicide-style rear doors that will be a production certainty for the next-gen Meriva. The mini-MPV will retain its B-pillar so that structural integrity is maintained and so the rear doors can be opened independently of the front ones.'The rear-hinged doors are both lighter and less expensive to engineer than sliding doors,' said Sara Nicholson, GM's European product manager for compact cars.

Daihatsu Mud Master-C concept (2007): first official pictures

By Guy Bird First Official Pictures 25 October 2007 04:02 Surely the best concept name of the show? Possibly. Although it sounds like an early 80s rap MC with dirty habits, this concept is actually designed to showcase a possible all-terrain vehicle able to transport keen mountain bikers to extreme locations – as well as providing shelter to fix their rides under its twin gull-wing doors with built-in LED lamps.