Dorman 740-345 Window Regulator on 2040-parts.com

Autodesk European Automotive Days 2008

The 2008 Autodesk European Automotive Days conference was held last week in Munich, bringing together 200 automotive design and visualization experts. Autodesk presented their strategy and vision for industrial design, with an emphasis on 'digital prototyping', where even at the concept stage the digital model is treated not just as a set of surfaces, but is integrated within the engineering process as as a functional digital prototype, with the aim to eventually replace physical models entirely. There was also a recognition that traditional techniques continue to have an important place alongside digital workflows, as the workflows and technologies continue to evolve.

BMW 328 Hommage concept headed to Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este at Lake Como

BMW has a history that is nearly unparalleled, and in celebration of the German company's unique blend of luxury and sport, it will showcase a tribute concept called the 328 Hommage this weekend at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como in Italy. The 328 Hommage will employ a straight six-cylinder powerplant and the familiar kidney-shaped BMW grille stretched upright in dramatic fashion. The interior and exterior make heavy use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and there are no doors--just deep recesses.

Maserati GranTurismo: Excitement is automatic

Having two personalities is not normally desirable, but for the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic, it works. Grand-touring cars, by their nature, lead double lives, packing in enough performance to satisfy demanding drivers while being practical enough for every day. This latest iteration of the GranTurismo is yet another fine example from Modena.