Mercedes 350 450 Se W116 72-80 Carpet Set Black Velours 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.

Subaru Forester (2013) first picture and details

Subaru has facelifted the Forester, plumbing in more efficient engines and revising the chassis. The revamped crossover goes on UK sale in summer 2013. For this facelifted car, Subaru says it has improved cabin space, safety and efficiency, but still preserved the Forester's rough-and-tumble usability. Read on for the full details.

McLaren F1 – the California Burn-Up!

Brings a tear to the eye - a burnt-out McLaren F1 The McLaren F1 is certainly a car designed to burn up the road. But for one poor owner that became a literal nightmare as his £1.75 million McLaren F1 burnt out on a drive to the airport in Rincon Valley, California. McLaren owner Irv Kessler hadn’t used the F1 for 6 months, but he probably wishes he hadn’t yesterday either.