Gytr Carbon Fiber Tank Protector Pad With R6 Logo 08 09 10 11 12 13 on 2040-parts.com

Smart Forspeed concept signals new design direction

Smart will unveil a new concept at the forthcoming Geneva motor show that signals a new design direction, hints at future product and confirms parent company Daimler's renewed commitment to the brand. Car Design News was granted early access to the concept, baptized Forspeed, at a secret photography studio in Stuttgart last week and heard the head of advanced design, Steffen Kohl, explain how the two-seat, electric-powered vehicle prefaces design themes in both the next Fortwo and the revived Forfour, which will be launched in 2014. "The fullness of this concept's exterior surfaces is important and will be reflected in future production models," said Kohl, "Smart will still be short, spacey, agile, and with wheels at the corners of the car, but with an added sporty and emotional design and without losing all the brand's iconic elements like its ‘plastic fantastic' aspect and the safe and hi-tech modular tridion shell assembled with all these changeable body parts.

Lancias, Fiats and Chryslers at Detroit motor show 2010

By Tim Pollard Motor Shows 12 January 2010 05:11 Strange goings-on in the newly assembled Fiat-Chrysler axis at Detroit. The Cobo Hall has been rearranged this year to reflect the change in ownership, and so we enjoyed the juxtaposition of a Ferrari 599XX alongside a Dodge Viper. Slightly less easy on the eye was the abomination that was the Chrysler Chrysler.

Porsche Design to launch two bikes

Porsche will be joining its fellow car manufacturers when they release two bikes in September. The Porsche Design ‘RS' and ‘S' bikes are designed with speed in mind and will be the latest additions to their Driver's Selection range. The ‘Rennsport', or ‘RS' bike, is a sports bike featuring a monocoque-constructed carbon frame for stability and damping, 20-speed Shimano XTR gear and 29-inch Crank Brothers wheels.