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Chrysler gets improved performance and handling marks from Consumer Reports

Chrysler Group is making strides to improve handling and performance of its vehicles, but the gains vary from model to model, according to tests by Consumer Reports magazine. The magazine said Tuesday that its recent tests of eight 2011 Chrysler Group models found advances in performance, interior fit and finish and handling. But it said the level of refinement in some vehicles still lags behind rivals.

Who's Where: RCA appoints Matteo Conti, Hannah Macmurray, Matthew Humphries and Cynthia Charwick to Vehicle Design faculty

Matteo Conti has been appointed senior tutor at the Royal College of Art in the latest of a series of new appointments. Conti, who joins from Northumbria University, will take up his position on 1 May and be program manager for the first year course and be responsible for curriculum development and coordinating external projects. He will also contribute to the second year teaching and research activities.

Ferrari SP FFX revealed – it’s not a looker

The one-off Ferrari SP FFX – complete with white fringe and coupe roof. Ferrari Special Operations is the division of Ferrari that relieves very well-heeled punters of vast quantities of cash to create one-off specials – just like Eric Clapton’s Ferrari SP12 EC. But a big bank account doesn’t necessarily equate to great taste, at least not if the only image we have of Ferrari’s latest one-off creation – the Ferrari SP FFX – is anything to go by.