http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/Default.aspxIndustry News for automotive design engineers covering automotive technology announcements, automotive company announcements and automotive industry press releases.60http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/42197/Advanced-technology-tames-power-of-Vauxhalls-Astra-VXR.aspxVauxhall's new Astra VXR will incorporate motorsport know-how in its transmission and deliver a class-leading 400Nm of torque, giving it a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds and robust mid-range performance when it arrives in the UK this July.10/05/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/42196/Amarok-assembly-begins-in-Hanover-plant-.aspxJust over two years after the launch of the Amarok, the midsize pickup is also to be produced at the Volkswagen Brand's factory in Hanover.10/05/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/42195/GTi-version-of-Golf-Cabrio-launched-by-Volkswagen.aspxFollowing its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the new Golf GTI Cabriolet is now available to order. It sits at the top of the Golf Cabriolet range, combining all the pleasures of practical and safe open-air motoring for which this model is renowned, with all the performance and on-road dynamics for which the GTI name has stood since 1975.10/05/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/42193/High-power-Audi-TT-joins-range.aspxAudi has just loosened the leash on the already extreme TT RS to create the new TT RS plus, an even more focused version of the high performance sports car with a new, autobahn-devouring 174mph top speed, increases in power and torque to 360PS and 465Nm and an equipment upgrade. 10/05/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/42192/Hyundai-announces-plans-for-investment-in-people-and-skills.aspxHyundai Motor Europe has announced a new initiative that sets out to prepare young people with the skills they need for the job market of tomorrow.10/05/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/42194/Next-gen-ESC-technology-launched-by-TRW-Automotive.aspxTRW Automotive is launching its latest EBC 460 product family of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems across the four major global automotive regions. EBC 460 offers enhanced value, performance, and compatibility across a wide range of powertrain configurations. 10/05/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/42198/koda-says-new-model-to-be-named-Rapid.aspxThe new Škoda compact hatch will be called the Rapid, the brand announced at the Beijing Auto Show. 01/05/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/42199/Nexteer-builds-on-electronic-architecture-for-electronic-power-steering.aspxNexteer Automotive has developed an innovative electronic architecture for its electric power steering (EPS) systems that will make integration of new electronic features faster and provide greater functional safety. The architecture gives manufacturers a single, customizable 12-volt platform for all passenger vehicle types, from low-cost micro-cars to the highest-specification luxury SUVs.01/05/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/42201/Range-topping-Audi-TT-breaks-cover.aspxAudi has just loosened the leash on the already extreme TT RS to create the new TT RS plus, an even more focused version of the high performance sports car with a new, autobahn-devouring 174mph top speed, increases in power and torque to 360bhp and 465Nm and an equipment upgrade. 01/05/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/42187/Audi-acquires-motorcycle-manufacturer-Ducati.aspxAudi is acquiring from Investindustrial Group the tradition-steeped Italian sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., which has its registered office in Bologna. 30/04/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/42190/Bentley-reveals-Continental-GTC-6-litre-W12.aspxTaking cues from its 6-litre W12 GT coupe sibling, the Continental GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. 30/04/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/42188/Details-revealed-for-new-Hyundai-i20.aspxTo further enhance the i20's appeal, Hyundai's designers have given the i20 an attractive exterior makeover that features new wheel designs plus a hexagonal front grille that is in keeping with Hyundai's current fluidic sculpture design. 30/04/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/42189/Eterniti-announces-worlds-first-super-SUV-at-Beijing.aspxEterniti Motors, the London-based boutique luxury carmaker, unveiled the engineering prototype of its first car at Beijing's Auto China 2012 international motor show.30/04/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/42191/Jaguar-Land-Rover-introduces-bespoke-engineering-division-.aspxAt the Beijing Auto Show, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) showcased the Jaguar XJ Ultimate, a car developed by the company's specialist ETO (Engineered To Order) division. The division is responsible for extending the Jaguar and Land Rover brands with a series of 'special edition' models as well as a range of personalisation options allowing owners to tailor their cars.30/04/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/41857/Electric-braking-boosted-by-TRW-Automotive.aspxTRW Automotive has been awarded new business for its next-generation Electric Park Brake (EPB) technology with two major North American-based vehicle manufacturers. The EPB system functions as a conventional hydraulic brake for standard service brake applications, and as an electric brake for parking and emergency braking. 23/04/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/41855/Johnson-Controls-starts-seat-production-at-new-facility.aspxJohnson Controls has commenced production at a new facility in Kecskemét, Hungary. The just-in-time (JIT) plant supplies complete seat systems for the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class. 23/04/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/41854/Mercedes-Benz-G-Class-is-launched.aspxSince it was originally conceived in 1979, as a vehicle to be used primarily in tough off-road terrain, the G-Class has undergone an astounding process of evolution. 23/04/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/41853/Messring-introduces-new-MWALL-crash-test-technology-.aspxMunich-based Messring, a crash test equipment manufacturer, has launched a completely new load cell wall. The M=WALL offers additional ways to collect data and vehicle crash test results with a degree of accuracy that has never been seen before. 23/04/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/41856/Porsche-holds-global-unveiling-of-Cayenne-GTS-in-Beijing.aspxPorsche has given the world premiere of the new Cayenne GTS and presented the new generation of the Boxster for the first time in Asia at Auto China in Beijing.23/04/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/41858/Unique-crash-test-procedure-used-for-Ford-B-Max.aspxDuring the development of the new Ford B-Max, the company developed and implemented a unique test procedure to ensure the car's easy access door system is as safe as it is innovative.23/04/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/41847/BW-enters-the-telematics-market.aspxB&W Software Enterprises, based in Belfast and London, has entered the telematic business with its Drive-Pro product for insurance companies.18/04/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/41848/Chemence-launches-industrial-range-of-adhesives-and-sealants.aspxChemence, a European manufacturer of adhesives and sealants, has announced the launch of Krylex, a new industrial range of adhesives and sealants, in Europe.18/04/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/41849/Honda-extends-development-of-alternative-energy-programmes.aspxHonda has unveiled further initiatives in the testing and evaluation of its alternative energy development programmes for vehicles, with the opening of a Solar Hydrogen Station on the grounds of its Saitama Prefectural Office in Japan, and the development of the FCX Clarity to serve as a mobile electric generator.18/04/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/41852/LE-concept-points-the-way-for-future-zero-emission-Infiniti-luxury.aspxThe Infiniti LE Concept, which mades its world debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, claims to be more than just the latest in the series of dramatically styled, technologically advanced concepts from Infiniti.18/04/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/41851/Lighting-developments-at-Audi-lead-to-lasers-wipers-and-LED-swarms.aspxLasers, wipe-action indicators and speed-sensitive swarms of organic LEDs could be piercing the night sky to illuminate future Audi models and their paths if pioneering development projects are given the green light. 18/04/2012