Fiat Abarth Turbo Cluster Trim Boost Guage Red Stitching 500 Sport Upshift on 2040-parts.com

Design Services: Ficosa International

In the hierarchy of car design the exterior of a powerful sports car is usually regarded as the highest level whilst the design of some of the smaller functional components tends to sit at the bottom. But even for companies not obviously dependant on sexy curves to help them make money, design is increasingly being recognised as a critical ingredient for commercial success. Whilst most large suppliers have grown their design capability over the last decade, few have truly embraced the potential of having a focus on Design within their corporate strategy.

Subaru XV Concept teased

Subaru XV Concept - an Impreza AllRoad? Last week we had the semi-reveal of a production version of the Subaru Impreza Concept, due to be revealed at the New York Motor Show. Now, just to be even-handed you understand, Subaru has divvied up another photo, well, tease anyway, of another concept – the Subaru XV Concept – due to be revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show.

First Sight: Smart Fortwo and Forfour

"Dress-down Wednesday," remarked a colleague as Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche walked on stage wearing jeans and no tie. While it was a hot day in Berlin, Zetsche's excuse for his informal attire was the occasion – the new Smart is here. Its prospective owners, he explained – young, urban consumers with an active lifestyle, not the typical members of corporate Germany – adhere to a different, if similarly rigid etiquette.