Volkswagen Jetta Oil Pan 2.0l, Diesel, (engine Id Cjaa) 11 12 13 14 on 2040-parts.com

Formula 1 2012: The Cars [w/video]

Nine of the 12 Formula 1 teams have released images and details of their cars for the 2012 World Championship as the first day of pre-season testing draws to a close at the Jerez circuit in Spain. Motor sport may fall slightly outside of Car Design News' usual remit, but the big story this year is the new 'stepped nose', which all teams bar McLaren have introduced to comply with new safety regulations, much to the chagrin of aestheticists. And with designers such as Daniel Simon (he produced the livery for HRT last season) and Peter Stevens (most notable for the Brabham cars of the 1980s) involved with the sport over the years, it's always interesting to check out the season's new machines.

Motor industry backs EU membership

MOTOR MANUFACTURERS have given strong backing for the UK staying in the European Union, citing benefits including business links and free movement of labour. A survey by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that 92% of automotive firms believed that staying in the EU would be best for their business, although most wanted to see reforms. The SMMT said its study showed how EU membership benefited the industry, such as access to a single market and funding for research and development.

Lamborghini Egoista revealed at Lamborghini’s 50th Anniversary celebrations UPDATED

The Lamborghini Egoista (which translate as the Lamborghini ‘Selfish’) gets its name because it is designed as a single seater, purely for the pleasure of the driver. Designed by Walter De Silva, the Egoista sports dramatic styling that is said to be inspired by the Apache helicopter (and isn’t entirely successful – the Apache looks better) and extensively uses carbon fibre with a canopy that can be removed for real single-seat fresh air thrills. Power comes from the Gallardo’s 5.2 litre V10, although so far all Lamborghini has done is release a single photo of the Egoista (above), so we don’t yet know whether the Egoista will be a one-off special like the Aventador J, a short run at silly prices like the Veneno or just a concept that will never see the light of day again.