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New 2015 Volkswagen Passat detailed ahead of July reveal

The 2015 VW Passat (pictured) is lighter and more economical The eighth generation Volkswagen Passat is detailed today by VW with design sketches and the news that the all-new Passat will lose 85kg in weight and get more economical engines. Due to be revealed in the metal in July – and debuting at the Paris Motor Show in October – the new Passat will go on sale before the end of 2014 with first deliveries in early 2015. Thanks to a weight loss of upt 85kg – achieved by using high-strength, hot-formed steel and aluminium in some areas – the new Passat will offer fuel efficiency improved by up to 20 per cent and, although the exterior dimensions of the new Passat are slightly smaller than the current model, the new Passat will offer more room for passengers and luggage.

Chicago Auto Show interactive web tour launches

Interactive media company 360° Revo and the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) has launched a web-based, interactive tour of the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. Automobile enthusiasts worldwide who could not make it to the show – the press days of which ran from 8-9 February – will be able to tour the exhibitions and even go inside specific vehicles featured at this year's show. This is the first time the CATA, producer of the Chicago Auto Show, and 360° Revo has worked together and with the media company's technology comes the ability for online users to navigate and explore the auto show floor and visit individual exhibits.

Ford streamlines design process with latest 3D technologies

Ford has released details of its use of new digital technologies in streamlining its design process. Designers use what they call the 3D CAVE – Computer Automated Virtual Environment – to recreate a car's interior by projecting images onto the large white walls and roof. 3D polarizing glasses framed with motion sensors are used to transport them into the car's virtual interior.