Yamaha 90387-07006-00 90387-07006-00 Collar on 2040-parts.com

Happy 80th Birthday, Syd Mead!

Take a poll among car designers to name their greatest influence, and one name is sure to appear at the top of the list: Syd Mead. The car designer, illustrator and futurist has inspired generations of the men and women who shape the cars we drive or admire. Syd has created the designs for the movies Blade Runner and Tron, while the illustrations published in his books such as Oblagon and Sentury (sought-after collector items today) depict the vision of a future dominated by superior technology and aesthetics.

Smart E-Scooter electric concept (2010) first pictures

We’ve seen the sketches of the Smart E-Scooter concept, and now this is the real thing, which will be unveiled at the 2010 Paris motor show next week. Underneath the fully interchangeable plastic body panels there is a steel and aluminium frame, and there's lots of tech too. There’s heated handlebars, ABS, an airbag, and a Blind Spot Assist monitor to warn when a car/van/bus is about to take you out.

Democrats cut deal on cash-for-guzzlers measure

Democratic lawmakers have proposed a cash-for-guzzlers bill that would provide vouchers of up to $4,500 to people who trade in cars and trucks for new, more fuel-efficient vehicles, Rep. John Dingell said. The measure, if approved by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama, would lead to about 1 million new-vehicle purchases, the Michigan Democrat said in a statement.