Ford invents agile, low-cost solution for prototyping, customization and limited production [w/video]

A new metal forming technique pioneered by Ford that drastically reduces the time and cost of producing low-volume and one-off body parts may lead to cost-effective customization, redesigns, one-offs and limited production runs. Ford Freeform Fabrication Technology (F3T) forms sheets of metal by two stylus-like tools, one on each side of the surface. Using CAD data they form the part to the exacting strength and finish tolerances usually associated with stamping dies.

Concept Car of the Week: Bugatti 18/3 Chiron (1999)

In 1998, Volkswagen AG acquired the French company Bugatti with the intention of restoring it to its former glory. After the luxurious EB112 and EB118 concepts, Ferdinand Piech commissioned Italdesign to work on another prototype: a Bugatti flagship supercar – the Chiron. While its predecessor, the mighty EB110, was a fantastic and bold design, it lacked a real Bugatti character.

Mini celebrates 10 years in U.S. with cross-country rally

Mini will kick off its biggest road rally in America, called Mini Takes the States, on the East Coast on July 4. It will conclude at the Pacific Ocean on July 15. The biannual rally will celebrate all things Mini as the company marks its 10-year anniversary in the United States.