Autometer 2300 Autogage Tachometer 3 3/4 In. 8000 Rpm on 2040-parts.com

Chevrolet Sonic at the 2011 Detroit auto show

One of GM's numerous debuts at the 2011 Detroit auto show was this: the Chevrolet Sonic. Shown as a hatchback and four-door notchback, it's one of The General's weapons to tackle the now-globalised Ford Fiesta and its ilk. Good spot. That's because this is the US-spec Aveo - albeit shown in US-only notchback form as well as the more Euro-flavoured hatchback.

Rinspeed microMAX

Rinspeed has revealed its microMAX concept car as its latest Geneva-bound offering, which it hopes will revolutionize urban congestion. The microMAX, designed by Rinspeed boss Frank Rinderknecht, explores the idea of car sharing and is designed to be small enough so that it can easily navigate city environments but uses upright seats to maximize space. The five-seater concept is apparently no bigger than a Mini Cooper and has space for a stroller or shopping cart as well as a coffee maker and refrigerator.

Show Review: 100% Design Tokyo

Tokyo held its design week late last year, overlapping with the tail-end of the auto show. Though thankfully easier to get to than that, what you get is a bit different to expectations. Japanese are noted for the effort they give presentation: it's in their dress, their language, in how they wrap gifts in stores and serve food in restaurants.