Standard Motor Products Egv137 Egr Valve on 2040-parts.com

One Lap of the Web: Mini challenges Porsche; kit cars; and brand loyalty

We spend a lot of time on the Internet -- pretty much whenever we're not driving, writing about or working on cars. Since there's more out there than we'd ever be able to cover, here's our daily digest of car stuff on the Web you may not otherwise have heard about. Mini wished the Porsche 911 a happy 50th anniversary.

Los Angeles Auto Show 2005 Design Trends

How are changing consumer attitudes and preferences affecting automobile design? What are designers doing to create functional, stylish and fun vehicles in accordance with new regulations and technologies? These are some of the questions that five distinguished designers will discuss and debate during the panel discussion at the Los Angeles Auto Show on January 6.

Vauxhall/Opel Flextreme GT/E concept (2010)

This is the Opel Flextreme GT/E, a new concept that Vauxhall’s sister brand will unveil at the 2010 Geneva motor show next month. It’s Vauxhall/Opel’s second Flextreme show car – the original was revealed at the 2007 Frankfurt show – and previews how GM’s extended-range electric vehicle technology can be utilised in large cars – the GT/E uses the same electrified powertrain that is found in the more compact Ampera. The GT/E has uses the same E-REV (extended-range electric vehicle) technology that’s been developed for the Ampera.