Freightliner A06-75981-003 Cabin Central Controlling Unit on 2040-parts.com

Architects design extravagant portable EVs solar-charging pavilion

Architects Synthetic Design + Architecture has designed a portable, solar-charging pavilion for electric vehicles using integrated photovoltaic cells. A beautiful, flowing form made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) mesh fabric incorporating the photovoltaic panels, allowing the pavilion to act as a charger. Designed to combine structure, form and performance, carbon rods are twisted into curves by the digitally-designed mesh contours.

Subaru Canada reveals ‘Driving Confidence’ contest winners

Subaru Canada has revealed the top three designs from its ‘Driving Confidence' competition. The Canadian division of the company collaborated with the artist web site deviantART and called for "original creations that celebrate the bold design, superior handling, and meticulous engineering that Subaru vehicles are renowned for." The challenge asked for competitors to push their creativity "to the limit", which many of them did with some impressively-abstract designs. The winner won $2,500 for "Born to Rally in the Snow," the second place received $1,000 for "Unleash the Beast," while third place was awarded $500 for "Subaru Slot Car Set." The runner-up was "Subaru Impreza WRC Rally 'The Pass 2'." All of the submissions are being displayed at Subaru's booth at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto and in the gallery above.

New Honda Civic Black Edition launches

New Honda Civic Black Edition launches The Honda Civic in normal guise – as opposed to the Type R – might not be the most inspiring car on the market, but it offers a convincing package nonetheless of great quality and decent looks and, in the latest Civic, better ride and better handling. As a Ford Focus and VW Golf competitor, the Civic perhaps suffers from a slightly boring image, which would explain why Honda has launched the Civic Black Edition with a meaner look to entice buyers who want a Civic that looks a bit less an older generation car. There are no power upgrades, suspension tweaks or promise of more dynamism from the Civic Black Edition, but it does get exterior gloss black elements and black side skirts and rear bumper, together with gloss black roof spoiler, integrated covers for the door mirrors and a gloss black fuel filler lid.