2015 Aston Martin Vanquish, Vanquish Volante & Rapide S updated with new 8-speed ZF gearbox

The 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish (pictured) upgraded It really is astonishing how Aston Martin keep managing to upgrade their cars despite a platform and engine that are more than a decade old. But they do, and the tweaks for 2015 for the aston Martin Vanquish (and Vanquish Volante) as we ll as the 4-door Rapide S are all quite impressive. Most notably, Aston Martin finally ditch their ancient 6-speed auto ‘box in favour of a new 8-speed ZF auto shifter - Touchtronic III – which cleverly adds an extra pair of cogs without needing a new housing (and all the work that would entail), improves economy and boosts performance.

'Forza' Alpinestars pack available now

The “Forza Motorsport” Alpinestars Car Pack went live online last week. That means players are already cruising around the game's 15 circuits in an assortment of cars from BMW, Toyota, Radical, Mercedes, Ferrari and more. The 1999 #3 Toyota Motorsports GT-ONE TS020 is now available in "Forza Motorsport 5." Let's start with the race cars, including the 1999 #3 Toyota Motorsports GT-ONE TS020.

Ford and IDSA to host 'Designing Innovation' live design panel discussion tomorrow

Freeman Thomas, strategic design director at Ford, will take part in a live design panel discussion on Wednesday 7 May. The panel, hosted by Ford and the Industrial Designers Society of America, will also include CEO of industrial design firm Fuseproject Yves Béhar, and Christopher Williams, business development director at product design and company Lime Lab. Topics will how technology plays a role in design; how designers shape consumer behaviors and responses to innovative products; and how products both stand out from and fit in with the world around them.