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Honda CR-Z Mugen concept (2011): first photos

Honda has teamed up with Mugen again for a new hotrod special - but this one's a hybrid. The new Honda CR-Z Mugen is a slightly more ecologically sound proposition than the banzai 2009 Civic Type R Mugen, and brings the race car treatment to Honda's hybrid coupe. However, at this stage it's a one-off prototype, with no firm commitment to build even a limited run.

Peter Stevens and Julian Thomson lead a discussion on the past, present and future of car design

As part of its sponsorship of London's Clerkenwell Design Week, Jaguar and the Royal College of Art brought together three generations of the design school to discuss the past, present and possible future of car design. Held in a suitably grimy warehouse in east London – with the sculpture by RCA students Ewan Gallimore and Claire Mille's we showed you earlier this week sat outside – Professor Dale Harrow, dean of the School of Design and head of its Vehicle Design program introduced Professor Peter Stevens, Julian Thomson, Jaguar's advanced design director and Alexandra Palmowski project designer advanced colour and material at Jaguar took the audience through their careers. Charismatic as ever, Peter Stevens kicked off proceedings that moved chronologically through the decades by explaining how he first became interested in "the art if car design, allied to the science of how they work" through his artistic parents and uncle – journalist and motoring adventurer – Denis Jenkinson during the 1950s and 60s.

Rolls-Royce hits new sales record

ROLLS-ROYCE has strolled luxuriously to a record half-year new car sales total - although actual volumes have not been released yet. Sales worldwide have risen by 33% compared with the January to June 2013 period, with sales in Europe up by more than 60%. There was also strong growth in Asia Pacific (up nearly 40%) and in the Middle East (up by more than 30%).