K&n 57-2564 Ford, Mercury Performance Intake Kit on 2040-parts.com

2013 Volkswagen Passat R-Line & new 1.4 TSI arrive

The Volkswagen range is hugely successful and largely appealing, but it’s not always the most dynamic looking range of cars on offer. Which is why the R-Line option of fairly understated sporty add-ons is so popular and why VW is offering it on more and more of its range. Now we get the VW Passat R-Line treatment (just as we did with the old Passat) with a bespoke body kit offering more butch bumpers front and back – and cornering fogs in the front bumper – side skirts, 18″ Kansas alloys, spoiler at the back, lowered suspension, extra chrome, Bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights and privacy glass to give the Passat a much more appealing look.

2009 Michelin Challenge Design theme announced

Michelin today announced the 2009 theme for its global vehicle design competition, Michelin Challenge Design (MCD), asking entrants to explore the future of transportation and share their brave and bold vision for 'America's Next Iconic Vehicle.' Designers this year are asked to render unique vehicle concepts that demonstrate emotional appeal, design courage and technical execution. Additional consideration will be given to entries with attributes that benefit safety and the environment and include a separate rendering of the tire and wheel component assembly.   Vehicle designs that best represent "Brave + Bold, America's Next Iconic Vehicle" will be reviewed by a jury of professional designers whose names will be announced later in 2008.

Future products: Honda aims to build on momentum surrounding the Odyssey

Honda has run into a few problems with its new-vehicle introductions of late. The current Accord was a bit too large in this era of downsizing, the Accord Crosstour was knocked for its styling, and the Insight hybrid suffered disappointing sales. Things may have changed, though.