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

Michelin design contest inspires young minds

The College for Creative Studies in Detroit held its 24th Michelin Design challenge, in which Michelin sponsors a design and development project for one of CCS' transportation design classes. The competition works like this: CCS and Michelin get together to develop a theme, then CCS picks which transportation design class will work on the project. The idea, Michelin says, is to celebrate and promote the kind of vehicle design that highlights original thinking and innovation.

Nissan Townpod concept preview

Nissan has just released this image of its new Townpod concept, which offers insight into how the brand could expand its portfolio of zero-emission vehicles. It will be displayed at the Paris motor show.  Designed to offer zero-emissions mobility to a future generation of home-based, innovative entrepreneurs who are creative and tech-savvy, the Townpod "combines eye-catching design with a spacious and practical interior," Nissan says. "[It's] more than just a car and it's more than just a van – it heralds a new-era of flexible, stylish vehicles that will bring electric-vehicle mobility to the masses." We'll bring you more information, our critique of the design and our own unique photographs of the Townpod in a few weeks' time.

Ian Callum’s Jaguar Mark 2 goes in to limited production – costs from £350,000

Ian Callum’s Jaguar Mark 2 goes in to limited production Jaguar designer Ian Callum has worked with Classic Motor Cars Limited (CMC) for more than a year to produce his perfect Jaguar Mark 2, and it’s been so well-received it’s going in to limited production. Still looking like a Jaguar MK II – but with a few modern twists – Ian’s car gets integrated bumpers for a smoother look, louvres on the front wings, a set of split-rim wire wheels, an upgraded 4.3 litre XK engine, five-speed manual ‘box, upgraded suspension and brakes and a new interior. To our eyes, the whole car looks incredibly homogeneous and not at all like the ruination of a classic, and that seems to be the feeling of Jaguar lovers round the world.