Interior Motives China Conference 2010: Day 1

Despite Europe being grounded due to volcanic ash, the third Interior Motives China conference got underway in Beijing with a record number of delegates and speakers – proof, as if it were needed, that this event is now one of the most important in the global car design calendar. This year's theme was 'New brands and the search for a design identity', and among the audience were young Chinese designers keen to learn more about international car design techniques, as well as veteran western designers hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the market they are creating vehicles for.  Session 1: The Market for Design Edward Wong, Director of Transportation Design at China Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), set the mood for the conference in his long, flowing 'Chang San' robe (very traditional Chinese attire). He opened the conference and invited panellists to share their views on what China's needs are and explore what makes the market so unique.

Infiniti Emerg-e at 2012 Geneva motor show

Infiniti is ramping up the interest factor with the new Emerg-e hybrid sports car concept at the 2012 Geneva motor show. Imagine an Alfa Romeo 4C pepped up with a range-extender powertrain and you're not far from the truth. The Infiniti Emerg-e is a stunning little coupe, which draws on the 2009 Infiniti Essence supercar for inspiration.

7 performance cars for less than $30,000 part two: Honda Civic Si vs. Volkswagen GTI

It's hard to fathom, but it's been more than a decade since the peak of the sport-compact craze saw modified Honda Civics cluttering the streets. Enthusiasts salivated over a Type R that wasn't (and still isn't) available on our shores, instead having to settle for the Si. Fast-forward to today and the debut of the ninth-generation Civic for the 2012 model year brings a new Si.