Chevy Car Cover Storage Bag, Gray, 1955-1957 on 2040-parts.com

Design Services: Ficosa International

In the hierarchy of car design the exterior of a powerful sports car is usually regarded as the highest level whilst the design of some of the smaller functional components tends to sit at the bottom. But even for companies not obviously dependant on sexy curves to help them make money, design is increasingly being recognised as a critical ingredient for commercial success. Whilst most large suppliers have grown their design capability over the last decade, few have truly embraced the potential of having a focus on Design within their corporate strategy.

Rumormill: Aston Martin Cygnet could get V12

A few years ago, if you would have asked us about 500-hp city cars, we would have said, “Awesome, but never going to happen.” We were proven wrong with last year's Nissan Juke-R and we may be proven wrong again with a V12-powered Aston Martin Cygnet. That's right, Autocar reports that Aston is studying the feasibility of taking the Toyota iQ-based Cygnet and shoehorning the V12 from its Vantage and DB9 models. Aston says it could fit the V12 in the tiny car's engine bay without major modifications.

Techart at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

By Tom Sharpe First Official Pictures 18 September 2009 14:30 The aftermarket tuning community began its assault on the Porsche Panamera for the first time at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show, and leading the pack was Stuttgart-based outfit Techart. Using Porsche’s Panamera Turbo as its canvas, Techart used its stand to demonstrate how it’s gone all-out to make its mark on the luxury GT, introducing what it calls a 'discreet elegance' into the mix. Visually, there are few places where Techart hasn't had a go at making an impact of some kind.