Snobunje 1025 Snobunje Avalanche Probe on 2040-parts.com

Video: Rendering a Le Mans racer using layer masks and pixel locking in Photoshop

Local Motors' designer and community manager Aurel Francois has made this short video explaining how he created his 'Alpine A444' render for the Le Mans Themed Sketchwall Challenge. His side view may be simple in terms of perspective but by using layer masks and pixel locking in Photoshop, the blue race car soon comes to life. Worth a watch of you're looking to get to grips with computer rendering techniques.

New Volvo P1800 revealed by Volvo’s chief designer

Volvo P1800 re-imagined Volvo’s Chief Designer at its Monitoring and Concept Centre has recreated the iconic Volvo P1800 for the 21st century to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The Volvo P1800 is perhaps the most stylish car Volvo has ever produced, and 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the most unlikely of Volvos; a Volvo that was to The Saint what the Aston Martin DB5 was to James Bond. Designed to be eye candy for Volvo dealers hoping for more footfall in showrooms full of Amazons, the P1800 was designed by Pelle Petterson – the son of Volvo consultant Helmer Petterson and the driving force behind the Volvo P1800 project - who worked for Italian designers Pietro Frau.

Fiat dealers likely to get Alfa, Marchionne says

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of the Chrysler Group, said that Alfa Romeo vehicles will likely be sold at Fiat dealerships in the United States. About 200 Fiat franchises will be awarded this fall, mainly to Chrysler Group dealerships in metro markets friendly to small cars. Fiat is preparing to bring Alfa vehicles to the United States starting in late 2012.