If this is the new LOOK for 2009 count me out!
Seriously, if this look catches on I’m going to stay inside and hibernate until it’s over! Bleh!
What do you think of this look?
Ok I know it’s been cold around here, but bundling up the kittens so that they look like premature babies might be going too far …
They are kind of cute though aren’t they?
Ok, what’s your best guess on what this vehicle is supposed to be?
It looks like it was once a tractor, but it’s been modified. I’d swear that seat belongs on a ride around lawn mower? I guess this might be someone’s attempt at making their own ATV, but that front left wheel doesn’t look very stable.
What do you think they were planning to use this for?
This little boy sure has started early! Something obviously compelled him to check out this kid sized dolls goods. Hmmm I wonder if she was anatomically correct or not? Only the little boy knows for sure!
Shifting into a higher gear in Audi A4 and A5 models could now take as little as 0.2 seconds as the latest performance-oriented S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission makes the transition to 2.0 TFSI quattro versions of the acclaimed compact Saloon, Avant and Coupe. The new S tronic option adds £1,420 to the prices of Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro and Audi A5 2.0 TFSI quattro models, taking them to £27,170 OTR and £31,065 respectively.
Despite its rapidity, the latest incarnation of the twin-clutch gearbox also acts responsibly, maintaining fuel economy and CO2 output at the same level, or below, manual equivalents.
Launched to critical acclaim in the first generation Audi TT, the advanced transmission added a new string to its bow during 2008 when it was further upgraded to enable installation in Audi models with longitudinal, 'North-South' engine installations. The new addition made its debut in the Audi Q5 SUV, and soon after in the latest supercharged S4 Saloon and Avant.
BMW design boss Chris Bangle is to leave the car industry, it was announced today. In a statement, BMW said Bangle was quitting 'to pursue his own design-related endeavors beyond the auto industry.'
Bangle, 52, was the architect of the often controversial flame surfacing look that transformed BMW design from the Russian doll mentality of the 1990s to the edgy – some would say radical and divisive – styling of today.
The cars Bangle spannered
The outgoing design chief has overseen the launch of the current 1-, 3-, 5- and 7-series saloons and hatchbacks, as well as the raft of niche models that have seen BMW's model range explode in recent years: the Z3, Z4, Z8, X3, X5, X6 and 6-series were all conceived on his watch.
Some of these designs split opinion, equally attracting derision and attraction among the loyal BMW fanbase. But don't forget that BMW's car division has enjoyed solid business growth until the recent global slowdown – and don't forget Bangle also had input into the current Mini and Rolls-Royce ranges. He led the launch of BMW's Designworks USA office, too.
Bangle's long and often controversial career started after a course at the University of Wisconsin and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. His first job was at Opel, then in 1985 he jointed Fiat where he rose to become director of Fiat Centro Stile in 1992. Cue benchmark cars like the Fiat Coupe. But the lure of being head of BMW Group Design Development in October 1992 proved too much – and the rest is history...
His evangelical personality (he'd often mesmerise journalists and, doubtless, other board members in his complex presentations) was arguably as strong as his actual design skills. To hear him present his Project Gina concept was to hear a master at work, explaining far-flung design theories that change the whole way we think about car design. If you can level a criticism at Bangle, it is perhaps that he tried too much too quickly in what remains a conservative industry.
BMW: the new design boss
Adrian van Hooydonk, the 44-year-old current head of automobile design for the BMW brand, will take up Bangle's responsibilities and oversee the design activity of BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce and the new green-vehicle Project i. Don't expect huge change overnight; Dutchman van Hooydonk is a Bangle acolyte who's worked alongside the controversial American for 17 years.
Want a clue for what to expect? Van Hooydonk has been responsible for notable BMW concept cars including the Z9, Concept CS and M1 Hommage – while his production car credits include the latest 7-series saloon, Z4 and (later this spring) the wacky PAS version of next year's 5-series.
Development chief Klaus Draeger said: 'Christopher Bangle has had a lasting impact on the identity of BMW Group’s brands. His contribution to the company’s success has been decisive.
Seat has given its Altea and Leon ranges a neat visual facelift, complemented by the introduction of new common rail diesel engines and enhanced levels of luxury and safety kit. The new-look models will make their debut at the Geneva motorshow in early March, alongside the new Exeo estate and a yet-to-be-seen Ecomotive concept.
Hmmm, they don't look much different…
According to Seat, the new-look Altea and Leon families adopt Seat’s ‘Arrow Design’ look introduced on the Ibiza by Seat design boss and ex-Lamborghini designer Luc Donckerwolke to create a more consistent visual look to the Spanish range. Look carefully and you’ll spot a new grille design, a smaller seat badge, larger headlights and redesigned door mirrors. The tailgates now feature larger glass sections and new taillight designs. Inside there are tweaked instrument and centre console designs.
Any under-the-skin changes?
Dynamic changes include the introduction of Seat’s XDS electronic traction control technology – standard on the Leon – which hooks up with the ESP to do it best to mimic the action of a conventional limited slip differential but without the associated cost and weight penalties. The engine range is also bolstered by the arrival of the 170bhp 2.0 commonrail TDI engine that we’ve already sampled in the numerous VW group products, and a new flagship 210bhp 2.0 TSI petrol engine. Seat fans will be pleased to hear that its seven-cog DSG box now finally comes with paddle shifters. The options list on the Leon and Altea has also been lengthened with the inclusion of Hill Hold Control, active bi-xenon headlights and new park assist and audio systems. The cars are expected to arrive in the UK in late July, but there’s no word on pricing.
What about the A4 Avant, sorry, Exeo estate?
Dubbed ST, the reworked Audi estate will feature the same trim levels and engine/transmission line-up as the saloon. Seat has yet to release images of it, but given the ubiquity of its donor car, we reckon it should be pretty easy to work out what the ST will look like. Far more interesting is the Ecomotive concept Seat will unveil at Geneva. Although details are scarce at the moment, we understand the concept car will be based around the Leon Twin Drive Ecomotive but with next generation technology in place. We’ll have full details when we report live from the show in a few weeks time…