Michelin launches 2012 Challenge Design competition

What began back in 2000 as a forum for people who share a passion for vehicle design and innovation has grown to inspire thousands of entries from 96 countries. Over the past decade, Michelin Challenge Design (MCD) participants have submitted vehicle design concepts for personal and public transport addressing a broad range of geographic themes and industry issues. And now, as the 2011 program draws to a close, MCD has announced the 2012 program, which opens for pre-registration from October 1, 2010 to March 4, 2011.

Kia Optima T-Hybrid concept revealed ahead of Paris debut

Kia Optima T-Hybrid concept revealed ahead of Paris debut It looks like Kia is ready to push the start button on a new range of mild hybrids with the reveal of the Kia Optima T-Hybrid concept ahead of its debut later this week at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. The new mild hybrid powertrain isn’t going to make an enormous difference to power or economy, but in a world where taxation gets based on official CO2 figures it will make the Optima more appealing to company car buyers. The Optima hybrid gets the normal 1.7 litre diesel engine and adds a small electric motor powered by a 48V lead-carbon battery which will be enough for short running at low speeds on electric power alone or allow some electric ‘cruising’ on motorways.

2012 Toyota Land Cruiser V8 costs £62,285

2012 Toyota Land Cruiser V8 costs £62,285 The 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser V8 comes as a single model with a 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel and big spec and costs £62,285. We reported at the end of December that the 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser V8 was going to debut on 12th January at the Brussels Motor Show and, following that debut, we now learn Toyota will be wanting a not inconsiderable £62,285 for the Land Cruiser V8 in the UK. Which is a lot of money, even for for a big off-roader, but then the V8 Land Cruiser is a lot of vehicle and, in its new 2012 iteration, it offers a lot of value for money.