Honda Bbr Motor 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 Crossover revealed in Shanghai

Subaru XV Crossover Concept has the Qashqai and 3008 in its sites Last week we had a tease for the Subaru XV Concept in the usual form of a dark image with all detail taken out. But it looked like a crossover, and a crossover is what made most sense. And that’s exactly what it turns out to be – Subaru’s pitch at the Peugeot 3008 and Nissan Qashqai.

Smart forstars concept

The Smart forstars concept is set to be unveiled the week after next at the Paris motor show. Clearly related to the For-Us concept seen at NAIAS in Detroit earlier this year, the grammatically-challenged Sports Utility Coupé concept, measures in at 3,550mm long, 1,710mm wide and 1,505mm high. It shares the same ‘smiley' front face as the For-Us, complete with rhombic front lamps which stand proud of the surface and a pixellated grille opening.