87 Yamaha Moto 4 Yfm80 (85-88) Frame Chassis W/ Bos D on 2040-parts.com

Local Motors launches Pacific Northwest competition

Local Motors' 20th design competition, themed 'Thrive in the Elements,' opens for submissions starting today, 17 March. The new American car company is calling for entrants to design a car based around the four core elements: Earth, wind, fire and water; challenging designers to create a vehicle that will 'inspire Pacific Northwesterners to thrive'. The deadline for entries is 30 March 2010.

British drivers not prepared for winter weather

Mondial Assistance Drivers in the UK are not prepared for winter weather, despite many warnings of approaching cold conditions on the run up to Christmas. A study commissioned by AXA insurance found only 6% of motorists will use winter tyres and less than a third (31%) will carry extra supplies, such as a shovel or tow rope. MSN Cars Winter Motoring GuideFind out how much a used 4x4 costs on Auto Trader This is despite drivers spending an average of two days in isolation during 2012 due to snow, ice, rain and flooding over winter.

VW Phaeton - the new one coming in 2015

A brand new Volkswagen Phaeton Mk2 will be launched in 2015, based on a new architecture being masterminded by cousins Audi. Dubbed VW631, the new VW Phaeton will be based on MLM Evo (modular longitudinal matrix) which makes provision for a plug-in hybrid option, an aluminium-intensive body structure and a much more advanced and less nose-heavy dynamic layout. Although VW chairman Martin Winterkorn has in the past black-flagged the Avantissimo (A8-based) and the Passat Variant Plus (A6-derived), there is still a lot to be said for a second more practical bodystyle in addition to the four-door notch which is almost compulsory in this segment.