Buick 455 1972 Short Block on 2040-parts.com

Survey highlights increased consumer appetite for in-car technology

Spanish telecommunications firm Telefonica has issued its second annual report on connected car technologies. Its study looked at public expectations of in-car tech in the cars of today and tomorrow. Participants were queried about such technologies as social media, telematics, on-board diagnostics and early warning systems, revealing that connected car tech was already influencing purchasing decisions.

Mercedes SLS AMG Electric Drive sets Nurburgring production EV record

The Mercedes SLS AMG ED (pictured) set a new EV lap record at the Nurburgring Just as Audi decides that the R8 e-Tron isn’t a production viable option, Mercedes decides to prove there is potential for electric cars at the very high end. The Mercedes SLS AMG Electric Drive has been to the Nurburgring and set a new lap record for a production electric car of just 7 minutes 55 seconds. The SLS AMG ED, which goes on sale very soon at more than £300k, may weigh a chunk more than a regular SLS (550kg more), but it gets plenty of help from its four electric motors – one at each corner – to overcome the weight of its batteries with 751bhp and 737lb/ft of torque on hand.

Pforzheim University Winter Show 2011

Pforzheim University's bi-annual graduation exhibitions are firmly established as highlights of the auto design calender. And if the number of design professional wielding business cards was any indication, we weren't the only ones keen to grab a word with the students.

 Course leader, Prof. James Kelly, places great emphasis on ensuring graduates have the skills necessary for employment in the industry without stifling their creativity.