Model A Ford Steering Column Clamp Original on 2040-parts.com

Ford streamlines design process with latest 3D technologies

Ford has released details of its use of new digital technologies in streamlining its design process. Designers use what they call the 3D CAVE – Computer Automated Virtual Environment – to recreate a car's interior by projecting images onto the large white walls and roof. 3D polarizing glasses framed with motion sensors are used to transport them into the car's virtual interior.

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid (2013) will cost £50k

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will cost £50k The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will start production in 2012 with 1,000 cars, each likely to cost around £50,000. We really like the Volvo V60, and despite our general antipathy towards hybrid platforms – particularly in smaller cars – we also really like the idea of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid. With its 4WD – thanks to something Volvo call ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) – and 2.4 litre diesel working with an electric motor producing 70 horses, the V60 plug-in can offer the best of both worlds – economy and performance – albeit at a price.

MINI Countryman Coupe to be the MINI Paceman after all

MINI has revealed that the MINI Paceman Concept which we thought was going to hit production as the MINI Countryman Coupe will be the Paceman after all. There was always little chance that the MINI Paceman – a two door Countryman Coupe first seen at Detroit last year – was doing anything other than heading for production. After all, making a coupe version of the Countryman is an obvious niche for MINI – that great seeker of niches – to extend the MINI franchise in to.