Arp 712-1250 12-point Stainless Steel Bolt Kit, 5/16-24 X 1.250" Long (set Of 5) on 2040-parts.com

The Future Role of the Vehicle Designer

The vehicle design department at the Royal College of Art hosted the second in a series of five lectures looking at the future of the profession last week. Moving on from the previous week's topic of sustainability, this debate explored the future roles and responsibilities of the vehicle designer. Head of department Dale Harrow began by posing the question "Is it time to rethink – do we still need the car?" Although still relevant, Harrow's ultimate answer to this was that the profession was about to see marked change, with the end to an era where "designers are locked behind closed doors in studios".

BMW 328 Hommage concept headed to Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este at Lake Como

BMW has a history that is nearly unparalleled, and in celebration of the German company's unique blend of luxury and sport, it will showcase a tribute concept called the 328 Hommage this weekend at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como in Italy. The 328 Hommage will employ a straight six-cylinder powerplant and the familiar kidney-shaped BMW grille stretched upright in dramatic fashion. The interior and exterior make heavy use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and there are no doors--just deep recesses.

2013 Dodge Viper testing is under way

Dodge boss Ralph Gilles made an interesting comment at the Chicago auto show. Dressed in a black blazer and a “made in Detroit” T-shirt, he cracked, "My Dodge Viper is in training for the supercar Olympics. It's gone for a couple of years." That's more than a glib comment.