Subaru Legacy 1996 Hood [0310500] on 2040-parts.com

Behind The Scenes: Hot Wheels Design Studio [w/Video]

Hot Wheels' vice president of design Felix Holst has spent some time chatting to Cool Hunting about the brand's design philosophy at its Design Studio at Mattel's headquarters in El Segundo, California, in a new video. According to Holst Hot Wheels has evolved from being focused on muscle cars and V8 engines to being all about technology as a reflection of the new generation they're designing for.  He explains the benefits of designing over 240 vehicles a year that aren't limited by rules and regulations, saying in a studio that's driven by pushing the boundaries, it's a question of just how wild they can get.  The video really captures not only the men's passion for their jobs but the fun they have doing it. Small wonder Holst says he'd never go back to car design, and reveals the studio is packed with qualified car designers who chose Hot Wheels over conventional jobs in the industry.  We also hear from Hot Wheels Car Maker's designer Julian Payne, who explains how the new Car Maker – which gives you the chance to mold your own custom Hot Wheels at home – works.

Kia reveals VR7 spec for 2014 Kia Picanto, Rio and Cee’d models

Kia reveals new VR7 spec for the 2014 cee’d, Picanto and Rio Kia already offers value for money across its range, but the new VR7 trim level for the Picanto, Rio and Cee’d offers even more for even less. All the Kia VR7 models get the same basic additions to the standard spec – AirCon, Bluetooth, alloys, reversing sensors, heated door mirrors and electric windows – with individual models getting additional extra tweaks. The Kia Picanto VR7 – as a three or five door with the 1,0 litre petrol engine – starts at £8795 and adds better upholstery, chrome door handles and a new front grill whilst the Kia Rio VR7 can be had with either the 1.1 litre diesel of 1.25 litre petrol and adds body coloured bumpers, new door handles and mirrors and more safety features to the list.

New Volvo V40: Now it’s official

The new Volvo V40 finally arrives officially After endless leaks of photos and videos, the new Volvo V40 has now been revealed officially ahead of Geneva 2012. In the last two weeks we’ve had the 2012 Volvo V40 leaked all over, from a grainy scan to a full set of official photos and even a new V40 promotional video. But finally, Volvo has thrown in the towel and we get official information on the 2012 volvo v40 released.