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Mini debuts four new design lines for 2014 Cooper

Mini Coopers really come to life when finished in the marque's signature appearance packages, such as Union Jack roofs and checkered flag mirror caps, and for the third-generation three-door hardtops debuting this spring the automaker is debuting some new designs. Minis have always been about personalization, and since the brand's relaunch under BMW's roof owners seemed to appreciate the cheeky designs that included roof graphics, grille-mounted headlights, racing stripes for the hood, and mirror caps. All those features are coming back for the new 2014 three-door Hardtops, and along with them the company is introducing a lineup of four Mini Characters, called Vivid Green, Speedwell Blue, John Cooper Works Pro, and Essential Black.

Paolo Pininfarina elected Chairman at Pininfarina SpA

Paolo Pininfarina has been unanimously elected to become Chairman of the Board of Directors at Pininfarina S.p.A., one of the roles previously occupied by his late brother Andrea Pininfarina. The Board of Directors agreed to assign authority over the Group's design operations and Pininfarina Extra to Paolo Pininfarina and also elected to hand over the Group's communications to his sister Lorenza Pininfarina, the Provisional Deputy Chairperson. There has been much speculation about the company's future following the untimely death of CEO Andrea Pininfarina in a traffic accident last week.

Welsh rugby star swaps the ruck for a truck

WALES international rugby star Scott Williams swapped his studs for driving shoes this week as the 2014 British Truck Racing Championship came to Pembrey Circuit. The Scarlets centre was given professional tuition before taking the wheel of the 1,200bhp 5.5-tonne tractor unit himself – and nearly ending up in the crash barriers. Despite his little off, Scott impressed his tutors and even did well enough to warrant a potential future in racing.