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Exclusive: Laurens van den Acker to replace Patrick le Quément at Renault

The wheels of change are continuing to turn within the automotive design industry, with yet another new appointment being made at the director level. According to industry insiders, Laurens van den Acker is set become the new Design Director at Renault when Patrick le Quément retires later this year. One of the most pre-eminent car designers in the world, Patrick le Quément began his design career at Simca, worked at Ford for 17 years and did a brief stint at Volkswagen before taking the top design job at Renault.

Toyota Aqua

Lining up alongside Toyota's trio of concepts in Tokyo will be the Aqua, or Prius C as it will be known in some markets. The B-segment Aqua forms the smallest member of the Prius family and shares a little its relations' DNA. Its silhouette apes that of the larger Prius as far as its B-pillar, with a smooth transition from hood to screen, but continues to a more conventional, high tailgate to optimize cabin space.

Ferrari California (2008): first official pictures

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 29 May 2008 08:30 This is the Ferrari California – the new 2+2 GT unveiled today. There’s a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission, a 454bhp 4.3-litre V8 with direct injection, a folding metal roof and space for four. Right, concrete numbers on the Ferrari California please… The engine is a 4300cc V8, using the existing block from the F430 but with a new head to accommodate direct injection. It’s the first time Ferrari has used DI and helps the California produce 454bhp at a heady 7500rpm.