Bentley uses 3D printing to prototype new designs [w/Video]

3D printing is changing the way the world makes things by helping people of all disciplines to enhance and refine their ideas cheaply, quickly and effectively.  Bentley is the latest carmaker to utilize the technology to fabricate and prototype different parts to see how they'll look and work on the finished design. Using 3D printers, designers can produce parts from the exterior and interior such as the grille, tires, headlamps and door handles as well as combine different types of contrasting materials, ranging from hard plastics to rubbers of different tensile strengths.  The technology allows the user to create a solid 3D object straight from a digital model by printing layers of material on top of each other. This process rapidly decreases the delivery time, as parts can be printed overnight, and allows designers to be more creative in their ideas because of the reduced cost. Bentley isn't the first carmaker to use 3D printing technology. Audi announced last year it was beginning to prototype vehicle parts using 3D printers.

Jaguar crossover concept (2013) the first teaser shot

What looks like a screen grab from Sin City is in fact our first official glimpse of the new Jaguar crossover. The jacked-up, coupe-like CX-17 is one of two new models on the way from Gaydon, the other being the ‘X760’-codenamed 3-series rivalling sports saloon. Argh, not another teaser picture… We don’t like them any more than you do, but in this case we’ll allow the Jaguar through the net.

July 17: A mystery and a helping hand

Driving very conservatively, at about 55 mph, I made it the 76.3 kms (47.3 miles) using only 9 kWh. That's 5.25 miles per kWh. That's also 8.5 kms per kWh.