Toyota Ist 2002 Hood [0010500] on 2040-parts.com

Mini 5 Door

We don't normally cover the addition of new variants to an established model range, but the five-door version of the latest, third generation Mini is an exception. In terms of pure numbers, the new model is 161mm longer than the Hatch, at 3,982mm, and has a 72mm-longer wheelbase, at 2,567mm. Standing 1,425mm high makes it 11mm taller.

Cadillac Ciel concept

The Cadillac Ciel concept, a four-seat convertible, has just been revealed at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. "The Ciel is about the romance of the drive," says Clay Dean, global design director of Cadillac. "It emulates the great touring cars seen on the greens at Pebble Beach, but with a modern flair that projects Cadillac's vision for the future." Interior design manager Gael Buzyn says, "Simplicity and lightness ensure nothing distracts from the open driving experience, while the color and materials lend the feeling that the vehicle's environment blends with the surroundings." The four-door Cadillac Ciel concept was developed with a long, low proportion, reminiscent of classic automobiles, while the interior features Italian olive wood, machined aluminum and hand-tipped leather.

Video: Michael Mauer on the 991-series Porsche 911

Porsche has released a video featuring its Design Director, Michael Mauer, explaining how he and his team went about redesigning the 911, an ‘automotive, engineering icon' as he describes it. "What we as designers are striving to above all is to optimize the width to height ratio with the result that although the 911's width has not increased, the front axle area has become wider, and we've managed to make the roof a bit lower," Mauer explains via a rather dramatic-sounding voiceover.