Yakima 58 Inch Roof Rack Crossbar System on 2040-parts.com

General Motors Europe opens new Design Center

Being a car designer is often percieved as a glamourous occupation, but few people realise that this typically means working in some of the least inspiring places. Wolfsburg, Detroit and Birmingham are just a few of the locations that are home to some of the largest populations of car designers around the world. GM Europe's location in Russelsheim, Germany is also one of the less glamourous locations but the new design center building opened this week aims to redress the otherwise rather industrial feel of the place where tomorrow's Opels and Saabs are created.

Frankfurt Motor Show 2013: live in pictures

Welcome to MSN Cars’ live coverage of the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. It’s the 65th IAA International Motor Show, it’s in Frankfurt and the world’s automotive industry is in attendance with its latest car creations in tow. As always, MSN Cars is out in force bringing you all the news, concepts, production cars and comment direct from the show floor.

Toyota Avensis updated

Toyota has upgraded the Avensis with new engines and spec changes First up is a new, entry-level 1.6 litre petrol Valvematic, which offers 0-60 mph in a bit over 10 seconds, and returns 43.5 mpg. Available in T2 and TR grade saloon and tourer models, the petrol engine gets mated to a six-speed manual ‘box Also new is the 2.2 litre diesel with 148bhp and a 0-60 of 9.5 seconds. This gets Toyota’s 6-speed auto ‘box.