Two Caspers Electronics 109014 O2 Sensor Extension Ford 12 In. on 2040-parts.com

Freeman Thomas: “it's easier to create your own rocket than create your own car”

The Industrial Designers Society of America's ‘Designing Innovation' panel discussion took place in San Francisco yesterday. The event was sponsored by Ford, with strategic design director, Freeman Thomas taking a place on the panel. Having parked a C-MAX Energi and new F-150 in the venue, Ford's influence weighed rather heavily, particularly in the early moments.

Hyundai Genesis gets Detroit 2014 debut

Cars we don’t get in the UK 101 would have to include the Hyundai Genesis American-market saloon in its syllabus. It’s an upmarket barge of a car that we actually wouldn’t mind gracing our roads over here in Blighty – and, interestingly, the new car is destined for these shores. Think of it as a cut-price Jaguar XF or BMW 5 Series over in the States, offering loads of comfort, a decent turn of performance and plenty of neat safety features.

Mercedes E300 Bluetec Hybrid (2010) at Geneva motor show

Mercedes unveiled its first ever diesel hybrid at the 2010 Geneva motor, along with a Bluetec version of its ageing Geländewagen and an SLS AMG supercar decked out in full F1 safety car spec. They’re pretty good. The E300 Bluetec Hybrid features Merc’s 201bhp twin-turbo, 2.1-litre four-pot, with a 15kW electric motor positioned between it and the seven-speed auto ‘box.