Eagle Alloys Center Cap 138 on 2040-parts.com

2012 Volvo S60 & XC60 R-Design get more oomph

Volvo V60 R-Design - finally, more get up and go We’re quite partial to the Volvo S60 (actually, we’re even more partial to the Volvo V60) and we like how Volvo’s R-Design pack makes a real impact without making the car look like a boy racer’s wet dream. What’s also nice – in this age of parsimony – is that even if you opt for a lowly diesel version you can still have a Volvo that looks like it gets there in a hurry, even if it doesn’t. But our preference is always for a bit more power, especially if all the visual cues make you smile in anticipation, so we have been know to bemoan the lack of any sort of power boost – even as an add-on option – on Volvo’s R-Design cars.

Fuel cell Hyundai powers ecosystem installation

IN AN UNUSUAL combination of motoring and gardening, car manufacturer Hyundai has created a design installation consisting of a aquaponics ecosystem powered by the emissions from its fuel-cell vehicle. Aquaponics is a sustainable method of farming that combines growing plants in water (hydroponics) and aquaculture (raising fish in tanks). Unlike any other fuel-powered vehicle, the hyrdrogen fuel cell ix35 emits nothing other than water when being driven.

Renault Frendzy concept (2011) first official pictures

Renault has revealed its new 66bhp electric city vehicle – the Frendzy – and in true concept car style it features non-symmetrical doors (think Mini Clubman) and a TV screen instead of a rear window on the other side (think Pimp My Ride…). This is the 'Work' instalment of new styling chief Laurens van den Acker's series of concept cars showing the different sides of Renault design. It's also a hint of the new Kangoo. Not a great start then.