MIT develops self-transforming materials that behave 'like robots without robots'

A cross-disciplinary research lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a suite of programmable materials, including carbon fiber, printed wood grain, textile composites, rubbers and plastics, that self-transform when exposed to an external stimulus. Director of the Self-Assembly Lab, Skylar Tibbits, presented a TED talk on 4D printing in 2013, where he demonstrated how a flat sheet of material could effectively build itself when exposed to water, like a robot without a robot. Following positive feedback from industries including aviation, automotive and manufacturing, his lab has been working on developing materials that change according to different activation sources, including heat, light, and air pressure, in addition to water – all of which have automotive relevance.

Donato Coco announced as new Ferrari Design Chief

Donato Coco has been appointed as Ferrari's new Chief Designer, starting November 14. It is a move that fills the void left by Frank Stephenson, who earlier this year moved to head the Fiat, Lancia and Light Commercial Vehicles styling center. "Coco will have the job of stimulating and directing the creativity of Ferrari's partners, which in terms of styling include our historic partnership with Pininfarina," Ferrari said.

Ford to reveal 2011 Shelby GT500 on Monday afternoon

It's the day after the Super Bowl, but it's still an informal holiday--the high feast of the Ford Shelby GT500. Ford will reveal the 2011 'Stang on steroids on Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the Ford SVT garage near Detroit.