Ferrari California Harman Rear Muffler *used From Japan on 2040-parts.com

New techniques cut cost of carbon fiber

Carbon fiber, once so costly that it was the preferred material only for fighter planes and supercars, is catching the attention of weight-conscious automakers. Carbon fiber's cost is falling dramatically, thanks to production advances that let suppliers speed the material's finicky, and costly, curing process. One technological breakthrough that makes carbon-fiber auto parts more affordable may come from a process used to make carbon-fiber golf clubs.

BMW 4-series Gran Coupe: First look

BMW has revealed the new 4-series Gran Coupe, over a month before it is due to make its public debut at the Geneva motor show. The introduction extends BMW's new 4-series lineup to three individual models, joining the recently introduced 4-series Coupe and Cabriolet in move similar to that taken by rival Audi with the A5, which also comes in Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback guises. All three 4-series models share the same front-end styling.

Entries open for Opel/Vauxhall Interactive Design Competition

Entries can now be submitted to the interactive design competition from  Opel/Vauxhall, in partnership with CDN, which asks students: "What do you think is our lounge style?"  Students are invited to upload their entries to the competition website www.cardesigncontest.com, where they can be viewed and commented upon by the design community as well as other students. CDN and Opel/Vauxhall is encouraging entrants to start uploading material from day one to increase their changes of getting useful feedback on their entries. The competition judges, as well as the design community and other students, will be looking at your research imagery and mood boards, sketches, renderings and video – whatever you feel best represents your vision.