AC Schnitzer upgrades the Mini Cooper coupe

The Mini Cooper coupe is still fresh--it hasn't been out for more than a year. Now, German tuner AC Schnitzer has taken it into the shop for some upgrades. The company is working on performance upgrades for both the diesel- and gasoline-powered cars, starting with a front limited-slip differential.

Car Design Awards China 2013 contest launches

未来，中国设计 Future car designers in China are again being challenged to meet the needs of the future by entering the CDN competition which is dedicated to identifying the most promising talent. The fourth annual Car Design Awards China is now open, and entries are invited from students of any design discipline who are studying full time at a college in China. They will work to briefs set by the design chiefs of brands including Audi, JAC, Qoros, Volvo Trucks and Volkswagen.

Car spending 'more than holidays'

NEARLY HALF of drivers in the UK spend more disposable income on their car than anything else, according to a survey. Spending on cars (47%) easily outweighs the amount spent on holidays (21%) and socialising with friends (13%), the poll from Halfords Autocentres showed. But the survey also found that 10% of drivers were cutting back on car maintenance to save money.