Recon L.e.d. Side Mirror Lenses Clear Ford F250 on 2040-parts.com

Exclusive: Honda to Close European Design Studios

In a surprise announcement, Honda has decided to close design operations in Europe, based in Germany. The decision to shut down both the car design and motorcycle design studios of Honda R&D Europe (HRE-G) in Offenbach, near Frankfurt was taken at the end of September and came as a shock announcement to employees. It represents the latest casualty in cuts for the car design community.

Aston Martin Cygnet at Harrods

Aston Martin Cygnet in Harrods Brompton Road window The last time we reported that Harrods were displaying a car in their window was in the run-up to the release of the Hyundai ix35 in the Summer. That was when Mo was still in charge. But now the Qataris are calling the shots at Knightsbridge’s favourite corner shop things have gone a bit more upmarket – the al Thanis have shoved an Aston Martin Cygnet in Harrods’ window.

2015 BMW M4 Convertible debuts: drop-top fun priced from $73,425

The 2015 BMW M4 Convertible made its official debut at the New York auto show yesterday. While the details of the high-octane hardtop didn't exactly catch us off-guard (see our full breakdown here), we now know how much it'll cost to feel the wind in your hair as you launch from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds: $73,425, to start. Complete pricing will be available closer to the M4 Convertible's sale date, which is “late summer” 2014, according to BMW.