2005 Volvo Dash Cluster on 2040-parts.com

Register now for the 2013 Interior Motives Design Awards ceremony

Registration is now open to attend the glamorous Interior Motives Design Awards 2013 ceremony at Moon 13 (formerly The Cocoon Club) in Frankfurt on 9 September, the eve of the first Frankfurt motor show press day. The finalists will be revealed in front of some of the most influential figures in car design, while partygoers will be able to view the projects in person and relax over a drink and food with their colleagues. Awards will be given in the following eight categories: Best eco interior Best use of technology Best innovative interior Best ergonomics Best conceptual interior Best production interior Best conceptual exterior Best artistic visualization The winner of each category receives $500 in prize money, and one student (or group of students) will walk away with the accolade of Interior Motives Student Designer of the Year, which carries with it a prize of $5,000.

International Engine of the Year Awards to focus on fuel efficiency

Like the Oscars of the Otto cycle, the Grammys of gasoline, the International Engine of the Year Awards are a big deal in the industry. For 2013, the awards will continue to focus on green technology, pitting gasoline, compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid and all-electric powerplants against each other for the title of "international engine of the year." Ford's 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine took top honors last year. Besides the top award, other categories include best green engine, best new engine and best performance engine, each voted on by journalists from around the world.

New Land Rover Defender – Project Icon

Land Rover are planning a new Defender to launch in 2012 As always, the Defender is going to be the traditional Land Rover as – unlike the rest of the Land Rover Range which is moving over to aluminium platforms – the new Defender will be based on the existing – and very capable – current model Discovery platform. The use of the T5, twin rail steel chassis from the Discovery is vital if the Defender is to continue to offer the range of body styles currently available – including hard and soft tops – which make the Defender the versatile work horse it is. But the Defender will still be going on a diet and will be a lighter car than the current Model.