Seadoo Xp 787 Crankshaft on 2040-parts.com

Design Services: Ficosa International

In the hierarchy of car design the exterior of a powerful sports car is usually regarded as the highest level whilst the design of some of the smaller functional components tends to sit at the bottom. But even for companies not obviously dependant on sexy curves to help them make money, design is increasingly being recognised as a critical ingredient for commercial success. Whilst most large suppliers have grown their design capability over the last decade, few have truly embraced the potential of having a focus on Design within their corporate strategy.

Ford gains ground in customer perception

The Ford brand gained ground in consumers' minds this year as Toyota slipped, though the Japanese juggernaut still leads the pack by a slight margin. Over the last two years, Ford climbed 35 percentage points while Toyota dropped 46 percentage points, according to the latest survey from Consumer Reports. During this time, Ford (144) moved within three points of Toyota (147).

Seat Ibiza Cupra and Ecomotive (2008): first photos

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 29 August 2008 15:45 Seat has unveiled the hot hatch and green eco warrior of the Ibiza range. The sinner is the Ibiza Cupra, the saint the Ibiza Ecomotive – and they arrive less than six months since the range was launched.Seat Ibiza Cupra: the lowdownThe Ibiza Cupra has a 176bhp 1.4 TSI twin-compressor engine; it's the same turbo- and supercharged engine as in our long-term test VW Golf, mated to the VW Group's seven-speed DSG twin-clutch 'box operated through steering wheel paddles. No performance claims yet, but that power output should put it on a par with the Mini Cooper S.