Dorman 77464 Exterior Door Handle on 2040-parts.com

2009 Michelin Challenge Design theme announced

Michelin today announced the 2009 theme for its global vehicle design competition, Michelin Challenge Design (MCD), asking entrants to explore the future of transportation and share their brave and bold vision for 'America's Next Iconic Vehicle.' Designers this year are asked to render unique vehicle concepts that demonstrate emotional appeal, design courage and technical execution. Additional consideration will be given to entries with attributes that benefit safety and the environment and include a separate rendering of the tire and wheel component assembly.   Vehicle designs that best represent "Brave + Bold, America's Next Iconic Vehicle" will be reviewed by a jury of professional designers whose names will be announced later in 2008.

Motion Simulation TL1: Ariel builds an immersive simulator

Ariel Moto Company, makers of the mad-yet-minimalist Atom sportscar, have teamed up with new UK firm Motion Simulation to develop and manufacture the TL1 immersive motion simulator. Featuring a spherical immersive projection screen and adjustable driving position, the TL1's composite pod allows vicarious thrill-seekers to try piloting anything from an F1 car to a combat aircraft with a greater degree of realism than existing simulator chairs. In the video above, the TL1 is configured as as Touring Car racer.

Ferrari salutes Sergio Pininfarina

Ferrari has a singular identity, but the look, the image and the attitude were crafted, elevated and carefully honed largely by another superlative Italian company—Pininfarina. Mindful of this, the Prancing Horse paid tribute to longtime Pininfarina chairman Sergio Pininfarina, who died on July 2 at the age of 85. “Calling his relation with Ferrari legendary is insufficient,” Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo said in a statement.