Evo X Crankshaft on 2040-parts.com

Lorenzo Ramaciotti to head Chrysler and Lancia design

Lorenzo Ramaciotti, current head of design at Fiat Group, has been tasked with leading the design of future Chrysler and Lancia products in a bid to more than double the sales figures of the newly collaborated brands. The 63-year-old former Pininfarina designer – credited to some of the most beautiful Italian machinery of the modern era – has been asked by Sergio Marchionne, chief executive of Fiat and Chrysler Group LLC, to create a common styling language for the two brands that wouldn't look out of place in Detroit or Milan. Ramaciotti has made it clear that badge-engineering isn't going to be the future for the two brands and is hoping to inject a unique, but global flavor, into the two brands.

Ford 1.0 litre EcoBoost in a carry-on case

Ford has cleverly demonstration the compact dimensions of their 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine by taking it to L.A. in a carry-on case. Those who’ve ever got their hands dirty under the bonnet of an engines, hired a hoist and removed the engine, will know it’s not something you can really do with a quick unbolt and a few pounds of muscle.

Toyota Sienna

The all-new Toyota Sienna MPV made its debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show. The third generation Sienna follows its predecessors in being a fairly conventional full-size MPV as befitting its market aspirations, but introduces innovative functional interior design features and some unexpected panache to the exterior too. Read our opinions in our 2009 LA Auto Show Highlights and see more photos of the new Sienna below: Photo Gallery: Toyota Sienna