2005-2013 Ford Mustang Custom Car Covers Carscover Ultrashield Cover on 2040-parts.com

Design Contest: Michelin Challenge Design announces 2008 theme and call for entries

Michelin Challenge Design, one of the world's fastest growing transportation design programs, has announced it will continue its focus on safety in 2008 under the central theme of 'Safety over Size.' The 2008 theme was announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit showcased works from vehicle manufacturers, students, as well as the first full-size concept to be submitted by an independent entrant. Rising energy costs, urban congestion and environmental concerns are all contributing to an increased interest in smaller vehicles, but consumers are often hesitant to consider smaller vehicles due to safety concerns that are both real and perceived. Participating designers are encouraged to 'throw away the book' and to present ideas that enhance the real and perceived safety and security of smaller vehicles through design innovations in areas such as accident avoidance, enhanced driver controls, survivability and visibility.

Worth a read: Wired's 'Why Getting It Wrong Is the Future of Design'

Wired has just published a series of short articles entitled 13 Lessons for Design's New Golden Age. While there are some interesting examples cited in the piece, the concluding article, ‘Why Getting It Wrong Is the Future of Design' by the former creative director of Wired magazine, Scott Dadich, feels like it has particular resonance for car design. Dadich's Wrong Theory uses disruptive examples from the world of art, plus his own experience of working at Wired, to explain how design goes through phases: establishing a direction, creating a set of rules that define that direction and finally someone who dares to break from that direction.

Mercedes CLS facelift (2014) first official pics

By Damion Smy First Official Pictures 18 June 2014 12:30 The Mercedes CLS range has been given a facelift as the four-door coupe and ‘shooting brake’ estate are given the goodies fitted to the E-class they’re based on after it was facelifted late last year. The 2014 Mercedes CLS is not a ‘new generation’ as Mercedes may have you believe, but more a nip and tuck. That means the outside has been tweaked with new LED headlamps as standard equipment across the range, as well as a new ‘diamond’ front grille, slightly chunkier front bumper with gaping air intakes, and tail lamps that have been given a darker, smoked look.