Hitachi Abv0017 Idle Air Control Valve on 2040-parts.com

Lamborghini LP560-4 Superleggera coming?

What appears to be a Lamborhgini LP560-4 Superleggera out testing But if the photo above is anything to go by it looks as if Lamborghini is planning a Superleggera version of the LP560-4 sooner rather than later. Which would work out pretty well for Lamborghini as they have rashly declared that they will deliver a new car at every road show, and with the replacement for the Murcielago cars – LP640/LP650-4/LP670-4 – still some way off, this could be a  good solution. They’ve run out of new cars for shows after revealing the Lamborghini Reventon Roadster this week at Frankfurt, so they need to get a bit of a hustle on before the next major show if they’re going to keep their promise.

VW Golf GTI Cabriolet (2012) first official pictures

This is the new 2012 VW Golf GTI Cabriolet, a 208bhp hot hatch-cum-convertible that Volkswagen will unveil at the 2012 Geneva motor show in March. This is Ronseal stuff, right? The VW Golf GTI Cabriolet is what you get when you mix a Golf GTI and Golf Cabriolet?

Design Contest: Michelin Challenge Design announces 2008 theme and call for entries

Michelin Challenge Design, one of the world's fastest growing transportation design programs, has announced it will continue its focus on safety in 2008 under the central theme of 'Safety over Size.' The 2008 theme was announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit showcased works from vehicle manufacturers, students, as well as the first full-size concept to be submitted by an independent entrant. Rising energy costs, urban congestion and environmental concerns are all contributing to an increased interest in smaller vehicles, but consumers are often hesitant to consider smaller vehicles due to safety concerns that are both real and perceived. Participating designers are encouraged to 'throw away the book' and to present ideas that enhance the real and perceived safety and security of smaller vehicles through design innovations in areas such as accident avoidance, enhanced driver controls, survivability and visibility.