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

100% TobeUs: 100 designers for 100 new toy cars

Perturbed to see his children lost interest in their toys after just a few hours, Italian designer Matteo Ragni conceived a plan to create a toy with which they could form an emotional attachment. No simple feat, as parents will testify. After crafting simple cars from fragrant cedar wood, he saw his children's reactions and invited 99 other international designers to get involved.

Concept Car of the Week: Mazda Ibuki (2003)

With the Ibuki, Mazda designers synthesized the most successful of the first generation MX-5's iconic elements and evolved their forms to make them even more memorable and simple. To do so, they used a strong geometric theme throughout the car inside and out: LED headlamps; front air intake; tail lamps; rear view mirrors; release handles and interior details down to the pedals – every shape follow the same oval theme. Zooming out, the silhouette – as well as the top view – is also oval, making the Ibuki look more like a toy than a car, which is a real bonus for a small roadster.

Volkswagen reveals Taigun concept

Volkswagen has revealed its intention to join the burgeoning compact SUV ranks with the Taigun concept revealed at the Sao Paulo motor show in Brazil. The four-seat Taigun previews the look and mechanical layout for a new Volkswagen model to be positioned and priced below the popular Tiguan. The new SUV will be launched toward the middle of the decade as a rival to vehicles such as the Mini Countryman, Nissan Juke and Chevrolet Trax.