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Subaru’s rear-drive sports car (2011) at 2011 Geneva motor show

While Toyota unveiled a revised version of its FT-86 sports car at the 2011 Geneva motor show, Subaru chose to only preview the powertrain of its 'Toyobaru' rear-drive sports coupe. Subaru and Toyota are developing the car together, and each will produce a version of the rear-drive coupe in 2012, but so far it’s been Toyota that’s grabbed all the limelight. Yes, though Subaru was originally due to show a full concept version of its RWD sports car at Geneva, but has instead only revelead the powertrain and basic body shape – not the best move, as the Toyota looks good, and without body panels you only imagine this Scooby version to have bland, flat body panels. The engine is a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre flat four, and the car rides on 17in wheels.

Video: Yasushi Nakamuta on Mazda 3's 'unique' design process

It may be leaden with PR-talk but this short presentation by Yasushi Nakamuta, Mazda's director of advanced design studio at the press unveiling of the new Mazda 3 in Melbourne is still worth a couple of minutes of your time. But while the 3 is undeniably attractive we can't help but feel that the 'unique' design process Nakamuta describes (which appears wholly conventional to us) has resulted in little more than a thoroughly normal product. Take a look for yourself at the video to your left.

Automotive Interiors Expo 2010

The first Automotive Interiors Expo, an event that was part of no less than five automotive trade exhibitions gathered together at the Stuttgart Messe, took place in southern Germany from the 22 to 24 of June. The exhibitions, comprising European Automotive Components Expo, Automotive Testing Expo, Vehicle Dynamics Expo and Engine Expo, showcased the latest technologies and services from over 500 suppliers to the automotive industry. Grouped in three large halls, the Expo covered conventional powertrains and batteries right through to vehicle electrical systems and crash testing, but it also featured a panel of experts discussing the color, feel and shape of material design, synergies and design challenges; safety, lighting and HMI's; and interior component design as a means of achieving sustainable and lightweight vehicles.