Aem Ems V2 05-06 Impreza Wrx Sti #30-6821 on 2040-parts.com

Plans for Smart’s three-seat sports car uncovered in patent drawings

Mercedes-Benz is developing a three-seat sports car for Smart. Depicted here in a series of European patent-application sketches obtained by AutoWeek, the radical new sports car forms part of an extended range of new Smart models planned for introduction by the middle of the next decade, including a more conventional four-seater to be produced in cooperation with Renault. Mercedes-Benz is reacting to increased competition from Toyota in the form of the iQ and the impending arrival of similar urban-based offerings from premium-brand rivals Audi and BMW.

2013 Land Rover Defender gets a bit more appealing

Land Rover has updated the Defender for 2013 with new colours, new premium seat design and upgraded in-car entertainment. The updates for the 2013 Land Rover defender may not be quite as radical, but in a car world that now expects a little more in the way of home comforts – even if you’re fording a stream or climbing a mountain – the new options are welcome. Land Rover has decided to offer a new range of contrast roof colours for the Defender, with the normal white option being extended to include Santorini Black, Indus Silver, Orkney Grey or Firenze Red and available on almost the whole of the Defender’s paint jobs.

Honda launches heritage-collection clothing line

If a Honda Accord or Civic, or maybe even a Goldwing motorcycle, isn't enough of a fashion statement for you, Honda has a new line of clothes rolling out this spring. The Honda Heritage Clothing Collection debuted with a launch party and fashion show this week in Los Angeles. Capitalizing on the vintage T-shirt trend, Honda's new collection includes tees, shop shirts, shrunken sweatshirts and tote bags branded with graphics inspired by the carmaker's logos and advertising campaigns of the 1960s, '70s and '80s.