2jz/1jz Bmw E9x Mount Swap Kit on 2040-parts.com

Design Services: Ficosa International

In the hierarchy of car design the exterior of a powerful sports car is usually regarded as the highest level whilst the design of some of the smaller functional components tends to sit at the bottom. But even for companies not obviously dependant on sexy curves to help them make money, design is increasingly being recognised as a critical ingredient for commercial success. Whilst most large suppliers have grown their design capability over the last decade, few have truly embraced the potential of having a focus on Design within their corporate strategy.

Mercedes BlueZERO E-Cell Plus Electric Concept Car revealed

Mercedes has revealed the BlueZERO E-Cell Plus Electric Concept Car The BlueZERO E-Cell is actually based on the existing A Class / B Class platform, which is interesting in itself. Why? Well, the sandwich construction of the A/B Class lends itself perfectly to battery storage for the BlueZERO E-Cell Plus, but this whole platform is due to be dumped when the next generation A/B Class arrives, as it’s considered too expensive to continue.

2012 Porsche Carrera & Carrera S Cabriolet revealed

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet It’s only five minutes since the 2012 Porsche 911 arrived – well, Frankfurt in September – but already we’ve got the reveal of the 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet in Carrera and Carrera S guises, ahead of a debut at Detroit in January 2012. The stand-out feature of the 911 Cabrio – over and above the stand out features of the 2012 911 – is its new trick folding soft-top. Porsche has designed a new folding roof for the 2012 Cabriolet, which features a fabric-skinned composite panel for the top and back bits of the roof and magnesium in the frame, giving a much smoother appearance than a traditional folding roof.