Suzuki Samurai Transfer Case Shifter Knob (rubber) on 2040-parts.com

Design Essay: BMW i – Setting the industry agenda for the next decade

Many have already dismissed BMW i as a radical experiment too far ahead of its time, but looking beyond the glossy carbon fiber facade reveals three ways it will change the automotive landscape during the next decade: 1. Re-define the EV category Despite Tesla, Nissan, GM, Renault and Toyota all operating in the EV space, global sales in 2012 totaled just 54,000. Many put this down to high-cost and range anxiety, but another key factor is nearly always overlooked.

Range Rover Hybrids cross Russia on Silk Trail 2013 expedition

The Range Rover Hybrid (pictured) in Russia on the Silk Trail expedition The new Range Rover Hybrid (and the Range Rover Sport Hybrid) will be arriving in Land Rover Showrooms in the New Year after their debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show last week. Currently, ahead of the final production hybrids being signed-off, Land Rover are, as we’ve already reported, busy driving the Silk Trail to Mumbai to put the Range Rover Hybrids through their paces and iron out any problems that crop up. The first stage of the Silk Trail 2013 trek was mainly across Europe where, although urban landscapes tested the hybrid’s economy and flexibility, there wasn’t too much in the way of challenging terrain to make sure the hybrid Range Rover was up to muster.

People's Car Project concepts showcased

Volkswagen is currently showcasing three of its vehicle and technology concepts created under the ‘People's Car Project' at this year's Beijing auto show. The Hover Car, the Music Car and the Smart Key concepts – created by users of the website, which has seen 33 million visitors – are just three of more than 119,00 ideas submitted, leading the project to be indefinitely extended as Volkswagen uses the findings to influence its future design strategy. The ‘Hover Car' is an environmentally friendly two-seater city car that, unsurprisingly, hovers above the ground.