Tyc 20-6821-01 Headlight on 2040-parts.com

McLaren Automotive launches bespoke operations division

McLaren Automotive has today announced the launch of the McLaren Special Operations division, which will be responsible for the delivery of bespoke projects for McLaren sports cars. The division celebrated its launch with an example of the new MP4-12C, finished in Volcano Orange with a number of bespoke carbon upgrades, at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Bespoke designs featuring on the vehicle are diamond cut finish wheels with gloss black inners, MP4-12C branded carbon sill panels, a carbon steering wheel, front wheelarch louvres and carbon fiber engine cover vents, rear deck vent and wiper system cover.

Who's Where: Craig Metros heads back to Michigan to become Ford's exterior design director of The Americas

Craig Metros is heading back to his native Michigan to take up a new position as Ford's exterior design director of The Americas. Metros leaves his current role as design director of Ford Asia Pacific in the company's Melbourne studio in Australia, where his team led the Everest, Falcon and Ranger programs. During Ford's PAG (Premier Auto Group) era, the CCS graduate was the first American designer to work in the Jaguar design studio in the UK before returning to America to lead the interior and exterior design themes of the 2004 Ford F-150.

BMW M5 2011 (F10) at Nurburgring +video

The 2011 BMW M5 caught on video near the Nurburgring Wonderful power plant though the V10 is, in these economy and emissions conscience times it is a pragmatic move by BMW to use the 4.4 litre V8 already seen in the X5M and X6M in the next generation M5. It seems almost certain if you watch this video – especially at around 3:15 where you can hear the turbos quite clearly – that forced induction is the route BMW are taking. But it seems likely that the M5 will get a few more horses than others in the BMW range using the same powerplant.