Yamaha 688-8258a-30-00 Extension, Wire Harness (3m) on 2040-parts.com

Volvo V40 Cross Country & V40 R-Design: Paris 2012

Volvo has revealed the V40 Cross Country and V40 R-Design at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, and both are convincing. The sporty take on the new V40 is the V40 R-design, a cosmetic update for the already good-looking V40 that manages to bolt on go-faster bits without wrecking the good lines of the normal V40. We would like to have seen the Volvo V40 R-Design get the sports suspension as standard, but Volvo obviously feel that most R-Design buyers want the looks rather than the more dynamic ride the sports suspension offers, so it stays as an option. And as the R-Design option is available across the new V40 range – from the D2 to the T4 – it’s probably the right decision.

Mercedes rethinks its names: new Merc badges explained

At Mercedes, the naming of new models is often trickier than the technology these vehicles convey. Under the current badging hierarchy, most mainstream models use familiar one-letter names like S-class or G-Wagen. So far, so logical.

Ferrari F70 Tub & FF Roof: Paris 2012

With no new cars at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the Ferrari highlights are the carbon fibre tub for the F70 & panoramic roof for the Ferrari FF. As you would expect, the underpinnings for the new F70 aren’t going to be made from recycled RSJs, but will be crafted from state of the art carbon fibre. Ferrari are proclaiming the tub and chassis of the F70 is directly derived – and developed in conjunction with – Ferrari Scuderia F1 nous and expertise.