Faria Volt Gauge - Vp9176a on 2040-parts.com

Gift Guide: Automotive apparel for all seasons

From the earliest days of motoring, the relationship between automobiles and apparel has been symbiotic. Clothing worn by Brass Era car and motorcycle buffs was adopted mostly to protect drivers from the elements, rather than from the hazards of speed. Floor-length dusters, motoring coats and driving caps shielded motorists from cold wind and choking dust.

BMW Active Tourer to debut at Geneva 2014 as BMW 2 Series GT

The BMW Concept Active Tourer will arrive as the BMW 2 Series GT BMW’s new platform for the new MINI isn’t just about providing a front wheel drive platform for MINI, but it will also be put to use in a new range of BMW FWD vehicles. That was previewed by the BMW Active Tourer Concept at the Paris Motor Show in 2012 (and again with the Active Tourer Outdoor Concept in the summer) and now the Active Tourer is heading in to production as the BMW 2 Series GT. The new 2 Series GT is the BMW answer to the Mercedes B Class, a compact MPV designed for moving people and their stuff around town, and Auto Express have learnt it will arrive at a Motor Show ‘Early in 2014′ (which we assume will be Geneva in March) as a production model ahead of a launch later in 2014.

Mercedes-Benz SL

The next generation Mercedes-Benz SL – code name R231 – is the sixth model to wear the 'Sport Leicht' badge since the first back in 1954. Despite being 50mm longer (at 4612mm) and 57mm wider (1877mm) than its predecessor, the new SL is considerably lighter thanks to its aluminium construction. Its drag Cd figure of 0.27 also helps to increase efficiency.