Mercedes W129 Convertible Top Hydraulic Cylinder R129.sl-320 600 500 1298000272 on 2040-parts.com

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.

Toyota Prius C (the new small City Prius) leaks out

Toyota Prius C Leak - scanned from a brochure Toyota are busy growing the Prius range in to a sub brand in all but name. We’ve got the regular Prius and the Toyota Prius+ (and Prius V and plug-in Prius), and now, following the concept reveal at Detroit, we get the Prius City Car – the Toyota Prius C. The Toyota Prius C has leaked out via a brochure scan from Japan and, although European specs may be a bit different, we get the first proper look at Toyota’s baby Prius.

New Hydrogen Fuel Cell Toyota at Tokyo Motor Show. The next Prius?

Will the new Toyota Hydrogen Fuel Cell car be a Prius? (FCV-R pictured) We’re getting very close to the proper arrival of the hydrogen fuel cell car, moving from a vastly expensive idea to an (almost) affordable family car. Hyundai are up with the leaders in the hydrogen-powered production car race with the ix35 FCEV, and now it’s Toyota’s turn to show what they’ll be offering buyers in 2014 with a new hydrogen-powered car debuting at the Tokyo Motor Show next month.