Vintage Oil Filter Purolater Nos T-43 on 2040-parts.com

Marc Girard appointed head of Interior Design at BMW Cars

Marc Girard starts his new job as head of the Interior Design department at BMW Automobiles today, taking over the post previously held by Michael Ninic who died unexpectedly last year. His appointment also alleviates some of the pressure put on Adrian van Hooydonk, who has effectively been managing both exterior and interior design departments for BMW Cars as well as acclimatizing to his new role as design director of the BMW Group following Chris Bangle's departure last month. A BMW Group designer for the last 15 years, French-born Girard was most recently team leader for Interior Design at BMW Automobiles, having been promoted from the position of head of interior design at MINI - a role he filled from 2004 to 2006.

VW Beetle R Concept revealed

VW Beetle R Concept arrives at Frankfurt We did speculate back in June that Volkswagen were planning on giving the new VW Beetle some butch credentials by endowing it with a new performance range-topper – the VW Beetle R. And today at Frankfurt the new hot Beetle takes a bow. VW are dubbing the Beetle R Concept, but it’s clear that they want the new Beetle to be perceived as more appealing to men as well as women; to those who enjoy the drive as well as to those who buy a car to make a style declaration.

New Mercedes B-Class (2012) exterior photo leaks

2012 Mercedes B-Class - it's the one on the left (click for bigger image) We did wonder if Mercedes were trying to keep exterior photos of the 2012 Mercedes B-Class under wraps until it launches at Frankfurt next month. Not much chance of that now the first official exterior photo has leaked out. In case you’re wondering, the 2012 B-Class is on the left, with the 2008 B-Class on the right.