BMW launches mobile app for gaming, social media

BMW is launching a multipurpose mobile application called the "Ultimate Drive" for social-media users and gamers. The app helps users find the best roads to drive in more than 50 countries. It enables them to then rate those roads and comment about them via Facebook, e-mail or other GPS devices.

Royal College of Art and SABIC collaborate on new ‘VISIcON’ program and design competition

The Royal of Art and chemicals manufacturer SABIC has announced the launch of a three-month research program and competition called 'VISIcON'. Over 30 post-graduate students from the college's Vehicle Design program are studying and analyzing how SABIC's thermoplastic lighting materials and LEXAN polycarbonate (PC) glazing technologies can be used practically and creatively to improve the lighting and illumination of future vehicles. VISIcON asks students from the RCA's automotive students split into three groups: the Automark group's emphasis on developing and enhancing brand identity through lighting; Urban Flow's focus directed towards discovering innovative exterior lighting; and Inside Out studio is working on improving and extending the use of light in the vehicle interior through lighting components and PC glazing.

McLaren MP4-12C Spider (2012) first teaser photo

McLaren today issued this first teaser photograph of the second model in its fledgling road-car line-up: the new McLaren MP4-12C Spider. No prizes for spotting it's a convertible version of the existing MP4-12C coupe. Expect it in showrooms later in 2012, priced to compete with the £198,936 Ferrari 458 Spider.