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Subaru XV gets world’s first self-cleaning function (+ video)

Subaru UK has revealed that the Subaru XV Crossover can now be specified with the world’s first self-cleaning function for a car. It’s a decent effort from Subaru, with added credibility as a compact urban warrior coming from Subaru’s 4WD prowess, a choice of a couple of petrol engines and a couple of diesels, manual or auto options and prices from £21k to £30k. But in a crowded market place it’s good to have a USP, so Subaru has pushed the boat out and is offering a world first for the Subaru XV – a self-cleaning function.

For Father's Day weekend, all EyesOn Design

Father's Day weekend started off in southeast Michigan with a string of auto-related events for the revelry of designers and car enthusiasts alike. EyesOn Design opened on Thursday, delving into automotive art with a designers' night at Lawrence Technological University. Friday brings a black-tie event toasting the accomplishments of Volkswagen's Walter de'Silva, recipient of the 2011 Lifetime Design Achievement Award.

Video: FiDU technology creating lightweight, inflatable metal structures

This short video, featuring designer Oskar Zieta, details the process and design possibilities behind products developed with FiDU (Freie Innendruck Umformung – "free internal pressure forming") technology. Zieta, a Polish designer, explains how the lightweight yet robust metal appears as a soft object yet when you touch it you realize that it is actually a hard metal. "Working with FIDU technology is similar to carving clay," Zieta explains.