06 07 08 Honda Civic Engine Ecm 121578 on 2040-parts.com

Michelin Challenge Design 2007: The not so ugly truth about rising vehicle safety standards

Can cars be safe and beautiful at the same time? That may not have been the case a few decades ago when automakers were forced to hang those big, ugly so-called federal bumpers off the ends of their vehicles.  With vehicle safety standards on the rise around the globe are designers today feeling a little '70s deja vu when it comes to meeting the challenges of making cars safe as well as more fuel efficient? "(Back then) we said it was the end of automotive styling," says Patrick Le Quement, senior vice president for corporate design at Renault and one of the world's most influential automotive designers.

Peugeot 308 R Concept stars at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

Peugeot’s hot new 308 R Concept hatchback has the new mk7 Volkswagen Golf GTI square in its sights here at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The regular 308 hatch is also making its debut, showing quality Peugeot hope will rival the likes of Volkswagen and Audi, but with the rather racy looking 308 R, the French firm is after the performance crown, too. Please click the picture above to read more about the at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show    

TRW unveils bag in roof airbag system for European customer

TRW Automotive Holding Corp. has developed a roof-mounted airbag that is designed to allow automakers create more space for interior styling compared with typical instrument panel airbags. The “bag in roof” airbag system deploys one airbag from the roof, protecting both driver and passenger, thus eliminating the need for a passenger-side airbag (usually found in the instrument panel).