Spectra Premium Industries Inc 7-3116 Condenser on 2040-parts.com

‘GEN Y 2012 – Express Yourself’ contest launched

Liberty Electric Cars has launched a competition for design students calling for ideas for a revolutionary ‘Car of the Year' 2020. The company, which specializes in electric vehicle (EV) drivetrain technologies for multiple vehicle platforms, has asked for students to create a revolutionary electric vehicle for its ‘GEN Y 2012 – Express Yourself' contest. The design must be targeted for Generation Y (between 18 and 29 years old), with the brief stating that the vehicle "should be iconic in shape and allow the user to express their own personality." The vehicle should also "become a fashion item, fun to drive and should use innovative technologies and materials that can be easily configured according to the driver's requirements." The contest is open for students enrolled in a college or university-level design program, either in transportation, product or fashion design, engineering or architecture.

Who's Where?: Maximilian Missoni becomes vice president exterior design at Volvo

Maximilian Missoni has been promoted to the position of vice president of exterior design at Volvo Cars. He replaces Fedde Talsma, who has elected to leave the company. Talsma's decision brings to an end a career at Volvo that began in 1982, with the past nine years spent as the firm's exterior design director.  Although Volvo states that Talsma has retired after serving 31-years at the Swedish firm, his LinkedIn profile states that he is now an independent automotive design adviser in his native Netherlands.

Toyota FT-86 and Subaru BRZ to launch next month

Toyota FT-86 (pictured) & Subaru BRZ to debut at Tokyo The road from concept to reality has been a long one for the Toyota FT-86 and Subaru BRZ. But the wait is almost over for the Toyota/Subaru joint development, with production-ready versions of the FT-86 and BRZ planned for the Tokyo Motor Show next month. The aim was to produce a sporty, fun coupe for under £20k, and although that still seems to be the general consensus we wouldn’t be surprised to see the FT-86 come in at around £25k and the more powerful BRZ getting close to £30k when they actually arrive in 2012.