Honda Oem 2015 Fit-front Inner Boot 44017t5ra02 on 2040-parts.com

MIT develops self-transforming materials that behave 'like robots without robots'

A cross-disciplinary research lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a suite of programmable materials, including carbon fiber, printed wood grain, textile composites, rubbers and plastics, that self-transform when exposed to an external stimulus. Director of the Self-Assembly Lab, Skylar Tibbits, presented a TED talk on 4D printing in 2013, where he demonstrated how a flat sheet of material could effectively build itself when exposed to water, like a robot without a robot. Following positive feedback from industries including aviation, automotive and manufacturing, his lab has been working on developing materials that change according to different activation sources, including heat, light, and air pressure, in addition to water – all of which have automotive relevance.

Michelin Challenge Design 2012 'City 2046: Art, Life and Ingenuity' – The Finalists

The jury of the 2012 Michelin Challenge Design has selected and released images of its 27 finalists, chosen from a huge number of designs submitted by aspiring automotive designers. The competition's theme, ‘City 2046: Art, Life and Ingenuity', saw more than 1,700 registrants representing 88 countries which left the jury reviewing over 200 projects. Michelin set all participants a challenging brief, calling for designs for a "desirable, safe and sustainable personal vehicle" specifically for Los Angeles, Mumbai, Paris, Rio de Janeiro or Shanghai.

Malaysian Grand Prix: Hamilton quickest in Friday practice as McLaren & Mercedes dominate

McLaren quickest in practice for 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton put the disappointment of Australia behind him to dominate Friday practice for the Malaysian Grand Prix. The opening F1 Grand Prix of the year in Australia last week saw McLaren take an impressive first and third with Jenson Button doing his best Alain Prost imitation to dominate proceedings, with team-mate Hamilton managing third after a poor start. But Hamilton’s grumpy face on the podium in Melbourne said it all – not a start to the new season McLaren’s ‘senior’ driver wanted.