Volkswagen Passat Speedometer (cluster), 160 Mph, W/plant Code Vin P (11th Dig on 2040-parts.com

Who's Where: Fabio Filippini appointed Design Director at Pininfarina

Famed Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina will soon welcome a new Design Director into the fold. Fabio Filippini, an Italian who has worked in France, Japan and Spain, will join the design house from April 1 2011, filling the roll previously vacated by Lowie Vermeersch late last year. Fabio Filippini joins Pininfarina from his previous role as Vice President of Interiors at Renault Design.

Fiat 500 Abarth gets automatic transmission option for 2015

If you're a fan of the design (and the performance numbers) of the Fiat 500 Abarth and its cabriolet version but not its manual transmission, you'll want to hear this. Fiat has announced that the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio will be offered with an optional six-speed automatic transmission in addition to a slightly redesigned interior. The new models will appear at the New York auto show next week.

New Nissan Navara NP300 pick-up arrives

The glitzier new Nissan Navara pick-up (pictured) arrives Double cab pick-ups are an odd creation, but they make a practical – and tax-efficient – option for users who need both a car and a pick-up, so the arrival of the new 2015 Nissan Navara pick-up matters to many. Styling on the new Navara isn’t dramatically different to the current model, but the 2015 Navara does look a bit more glitzy with its new chrome grill, chrome mirrors,  detail crease down the side, black B-pillars and some very non-utilitarian colour choices like Savannah Yellow. Inside, Nissan has moved the Navara up a notch or two in quality and ergonomics with a high-res colour display, aluminium trim (well, trim that looks aluminium), decent seats and a new steering wheel.