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Bentley uses 3D printing to prototype new designs [w/Video]

3D printing is changing the way the world makes things by helping people of all disciplines to enhance and refine their ideas cheaply, quickly and effectively.  Bentley is the latest carmaker to utilize the technology to fabricate and prototype different parts to see how they'll look and work on the finished design. Using 3D printers, designers can produce parts from the exterior and interior such as the grille, tires, headlamps and door handles as well as combine different types of contrasting materials, ranging from hard plastics to rubbers of different tensile strengths.  The technology allows the user to create a solid 3D object straight from a digital model by printing layers of material on top of each other. This process rapidly decreases the delivery time, as parts can be printed overnight, and allows designers to be more creative in their ideas because of the reduced cost. Bentley isn't the first carmaker to use 3D printing technology. Audi announced last year it was beginning to prototype vehicle parts using 3D printers.

Audi denies high price hits sales of new A1

Audi denied suggestions that its new A1 entry-premium car is losing sales because it is priced too high. Audi dealers and industry observers believe the A1 is failing to attract an expected rush of customers because it costs too much for its target group of young people, according to Automobilwoche. The A1's starting price is 15,800 euros ($20,873) in Germany.

World's most expensive Alfa Romeo sold at auction

The Alfa Romeo that was the brainchild of Mussolini has sold for nearly £6m at auction. The Italian dictator commissioned the Alfa Romeo 8C-35 to conquer Hitler's dominance of pre-war racing. Built in time for the 1935 Italian Grand Prix, the 8C-35 smashed the competition with racing star Tazio Nuvolari at the wheel and confirmed its fate as one of the most successful racing cars ever. At last weekend's Goodwood Revival, the 8C-35's place in the history books was confirmed as it became the most expensive Alfa Romeo ever to sell at auction. Selling for £5,937,500, the Alfa Romeo eclipsed the previous record of £4,245,118, held by a 1933 8C 2300 Monza, sold in 2010.