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

Interior Motives China Conference 2010: Day 2

Session 5: Color and Trim On the second day of the conference, Andreas Wlasak, Vice President of Industrial Design at Faurecia, opened proceedings by announcing that the company plans to open a design studio in Shanghai this year. "A design centre in Shanghai – a new place in China for 2010 – this is a commitment," he declared. Wlasak then asked what OEMs should look for in terms of visualizing the concept of ‘green' design inside the vehicle interior: "OEMs might look for 'visual' green – how can you make it visible that the vehicle is efficient and reducing CO2?" He believed real wood is one likely way of achieving this, as people want to feel natural surfaces, and he also envisaged translucent surfaces playing a key role in years to come.

Nissan Qashqai 360 replaces Qashqai n-tec+ – costs from £19,945

Nissan is replacing the Qashqai n-tec+ with the Nissan Qashqai 360 Edition complete with more equipment including a 360 degree view camera. In fact, the best-selling Qashqai – the Qashqai n-tec+, which accounted for 60 per cent of Qashqai sales in 2012 – managed to out-sell the Ford Mondeo all on its own and sold more than the Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage combined. A fact Nissan are keen you know.

Automotive art returns to Pebble Beach

Classic cars won’t be the only works of art on display at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS) will be making its 26th appearance at the event, where it will exhibit car-themed paintings and sculptures. “The artists work every year to showcase art never shown before,” AFAS vice president Bill Motta said.