What's New - June 2005

Mercedes-Benz Bionic concept The Bionic showcases the potential of bionics for automobile development, and is inspired by the boxfish(!) In DaimlerChrysler's words: "Despite its boxy, cube-shaped body, this tropical fish is in fact outstandingly streamlined and therefore represents an aerodynamic ideal". This 4240mm long car that seats four has a Cd value of just 0.19 which, in combination with light-weight construction and an advanced diesel powertrain, gives 20% lower fuel consumption and up to 80% lower nitrogen oxide emissions. This reduction in NO2 is achieved by spraying 'AdBlue', an aqueous urea solution, into the exhaust system in precisely metered quantities to convert the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water, so even if it looks like it should, it shouldn't smell fishy...

Audi RS5, Ducati & Pikes Peak

Audi are running an RS5 at the Pikes Peak Hillclimb event in Colorado and taking the opportunity to showcase Ducati with a competition. The Pikes Peak International Hillclimb is a 12 mile hillclimb event held in the Pikes Peak Mountain Range in Colorado, with 156 turns and a climb to 4,720 feet. A test of any car (or motorbike).

Show Review: '100% Design' Product and Furniture Design exhibition

Now into its tenth year, '100% Design' is a showcase for emerging talent from Britain in the fields of product and furniture design. Held in Earl's Court, London, it also attracts European and Asian companies keen on marking their presence. Whilst the show has come to attract larger corporations too, these companies still often give individual credit to their designers, naming them with each piece displayed.