1955-1966 Chevy Chevrolet Gmc Pickup Shortbed Step Plate Passenger Right Side on 2040-parts.com

Lincoln crossover concept video hits the web

Lincoln has released a video that previews a concept vehicle that could be the next MKX crossover. The short spot gives a glimpse of a large four-door luxury crossover with long rear doors and a relatively short cargo section in the back. The video gives little clue as to the concept's true dimensions, though it appears likely that this concept is previewing a second-generation MKX, to replace the model which has been on sale since 2006.

Who's Where: Martin Smith to retire, succeeded by Joel Piaskowski as Ford Europe head of design

Martin Smith, head of Ford of Europe design for the last 10 years, will retire at the end of this year, before which he will work on a project to study the future direction of the company's global design direction. He will be replaced by current head of strategic concepts group, Joel Piaskowski on 1 July. Smith (64) first joined Ford back in 2004, leaving General Motors as director of design for Opel/Vauxhall.

Forget high beams -- lasers are coming

Audi has kicked off 2014 with the unveiling of an updated version of its Sport quattro concept car -- as first revealed at last year's Frankfurt motor show. Set to underpin the German carmaker's stand at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the latest incarnation of the bullish-looking two-door coupe showcases distinctively styled matrix LED headlamps with new laser light technology that, Audi officials suggest, will soon begin appearing on regular production models as a high-cost option. Already confirmed for the Audi R18 that will compete at the Le Mans 24-hour race later this year, the new headlamps use matrix LEDs and an aperture mask for low-beam mode.