Johnson Controls engineer presents 'Driven Mavens' free design tutorial videos

Free online video tutorials on the car design process are being presented on an interactive blog launched by a Johnson Controls lead engineer. Arvind Ramkrishna, who has worked in the automotive sector for over 10 years, set up ‘Driven Mavens' to teach students and enthusiasts how to design cars using both traditional methods and the latest digital software. Two full free courses are offered, one of which is ‘How to Draw Cars: Drawing in Perspective'.

Kia Picanto (2011): more pics and spec

Kia has published some engine details and new photos of its replacement 2011 Picanto, which goes on sale in late spring. The new Picanto will be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva motor show on 1 March. It's a bigger model than the outgoing city car - the longer wheelbase liberating a quarter more boot space to answer criticisms of a cramped luggage bay.

Aston Martin Lagonda SUV still moving forward

New reports suggest Aston Martin is still pushing forward with the Lagonda SUV, with underpinnings from the Mercedes GL. Last year we reported the Lagonda SUV was back on (although we’re not sure when it was actually off – just MIA) and that it was Aston Martin’s hope they could raid Mercedes parts bin for the underpinnings of the SUV, and take on the building of a new Maybach for Mercedes in the process. But as we now know, Mercedes has decided a Pullman S Class has more cachet (and less build cost) than  the glitter ball Maybach, so Aston Martin’s hopes of a nice profitable design and build deal evaporated with the last roll of the dice for the Maybach brand.