Genuine Mercedes-benz Coolant Hose 243-500-39-00 on 2040-parts.com

Classic Mini voted 'best British car'

THE ORIGINAL Mini, first introduced in 1959, is the best-ever British car, according to a survey of Autocar readers. The poll also named Norfolk-based Lotus as the most popular British manufacturer, with seven of its models making the 100 best British cars list. Following the Mini at the top of the list was the McLaren F1, with the Jaguar E-type third and the Range Rover fourth.

Who's Where: Fabio Filippini appointed Design Director at Pininfarina

Famed Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina will soon welcome a new Design Director into the fold. Fabio Filippini, an Italian who has worked in France, Japan and Spain, will join the design house from April 1 2011, filling the roll previously vacated by Lowie Vermeersch late last year. Fabio Filippini joins Pininfarina from his previous role as Vice President of Interiors at Renault Design.

Video: Jaguar XF clay model gets axed

Jaguar recently gave a trio of clay modelers the task of deconstructing the original model of their carefully and lovingly sculpted XF sedan by handing them axes and sledgehammers in front of a camera crew. The modelers – dressed in black t-shirts and jeans – are shown taking apart the model piece by piece, perhaps taking out their frustration with designers who feel the need to get a little too hands-on with their artisan handiwork. Perhaps some other car manufacturers could using this as inspiration to destroy some of their cars, maybe – naming no names – before reaching production.