2013 Renault Twingo Ii (cn) Starter Engine 8200369521f- on 2040-parts.com

Concept Car of the Week: IAD Venus (1989)

In the late '80s, IAD had become one of the most reputable design and engineering companies worldwide. The team developed models such as the first Mazda Miata/MX-5, the Volvo 480 coupé and the Alien concept. At the1989 Tokyo motor show, the firm added another masterpiece to an already outstanding portfolio with the Venus.

Renault designers on their interpretation of luxury [w/Video]

Renault's design chief Laurens van den Acker and his design team have stressed how the Initiale Paris concept previews how Renault design's tactics will help steer clear of its rivals within the premium segment.  The concept – the sixth to be developed in the design strategy inspired by the cycle of life, now in the Wisdom stage – heralds Renault's return to the high-end market after a number of years. It was, therefore, important that the design be a positive rejection of traditional ideas of luxury, design director of concept cars Axel Breun believes. Designer Choung Sun Oh goes to great pains to stress how the design team worked towards developing a highly original design to set them apart from rivaling brands upon re-entry.

New Ford Kuga (2012): Kick a Kuga (or an Escape) +video

New Ford Kuga / Escape Hands-Free Tailgate - Kick to Open The new 2012 Ford Kuga will debut later this month at the Los Angeles Motor Show (alright, strictly speaking it’s the 2013 Ford Escape – but they’re the same) so Ford has decided to tease the Kuga with its clever tailgate trick. Yes, the new Kuga has a tailgate that has a party trick – it opens when you kick it. Yes, we’ve all hard cars that need their doors kicking to shut them (the new Kuga will do that too), but opening with a kick is a bit of a first.