Honda Lanyard on 2040-parts.com

VW Phaeton - the new one coming in 2015

A brand new Volkswagen Phaeton Mk2 will be launched in 2015, based on a new architecture being masterminded by cousins Audi. Dubbed VW631, the new VW Phaeton will be based on MLM Evo (modular longitudinal matrix) which makes provision for a plug-in hybrid option, an aluminium-intensive body structure and a much more advanced and less nose-heavy dynamic layout. Although VW chairman Martin Winterkorn has in the past black-flagged the Avantissimo (A8-based) and the Passat Variant Plus (A6-derived), there is still a lot to be said for a second more practical bodystyle in addition to the four-door notch which is almost compulsory in this segment.

Concept Car of the Week: Heuliez H4 (1972)

With the H4, Heuliez set out into unexplored territories by offering a concept tailored to the needs of taxi drivers. If today's minivans are an integral part of our daily lives, this Peugeot 204-based H4 should be placed back in its original context in the early ‘70s, when this monovolume architecture still belonged to science fiction. Its dimensions are comparable to a Renault Modus although it's shortened by 140mm.

Ford collaborates with DIY workshop for Detroit location

Detroit inventors will soon have access to the ultimate do-it-yourself workshop. Having joined forces with Ford, TechShop is scheduled to launch one of its open-access facilities in the Motor City this winter. The facility will provide artists and inventors with machinery they might not otherwise have access to, like sheetmetal equipment, CNC plasma cutters and three-dimensional printers.