Volkswagen/audi Genuine Seal Ring 03c-121-666 on 2040-parts.com

Aston Martin Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S racer (2013) first pictures

Aston Martin will race this hydrogen-powered, twin-turbocharged Rapide S at the Nurburgring 24 hour endurance race in May 2013. The radical Rapide is set to become the first hydrogen-powered car to compete in an international racing event, and the only car ever to complete a racing lap of the infamous Nordschleife without emitting so much as a gram of carbon dioxide. Read on for the under-the-skin tech lowdown.

New Peugeot 308 production increased to meet demand

Peugeot are increasing production of the new 308 to meet demand The new Peugeot 308 arrived in the UK in January – although it’s been on sale in Europe since last year – and it’s a decent effort from Peugeot. In fact, even though we didn’t think it was the best choice, the new 308 took the European Car of the Year Award at the Geneva Motor Show last week, a decision that’s probably been credibility by the apparent popularity of the new 308. Since the 308 went on sale late last year, Peugeot has managed to shift more than 60,000, so with the new 308 SW (Estate) about to go on sale Peugeot is ramping up production to meet current and expected demand by adding a third shift at its Sochaux Plant, creating 600 new jobs in the process.

CAR interviews new Renault design chief Laurens van den Acker (2009)

By Guy Bird Motor Industry 15 October 2009 10:29 CAR: How did you get the top design job at Renault? LvdA: From what I’ve been told [outgoing design boss] Patrick le Quément was asked to come up with three candidates, two internal and one external, and somehow I bubbled to the top of the external candidates. I think the criteria included international experience, being relatively young and having a good record.