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Plans for Smart’s three-seat sports car uncovered in patent drawings

Mercedes-Benz is developing a three-seat sports car for Smart. Depicted here in a series of European patent-application sketches obtained by AutoWeek, the radical new sports car forms part of an extended range of new Smart models planned for introduction by the middle of the next decade, including a more conventional four-seater to be produced in cooperation with Renault. Mercedes-Benz is reacting to increased competition from Toyota in the form of the iQ and the impending arrival of similar urban-based offerings from premium-brand rivals Audi and BMW.

Ferrari 458 Spider UK debut at Goodwood FoS

The new Ferrari 458 Spider  is to make its UK debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, together with the new Ferrari California. The Ferrari 458 Spider finally bowed in at Frankfurt 2011 – more than two years on from the debut of the 458 Italia – and is going to make its UK debut at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed on 29th June. About time too.

Kia Naimo concept

As the Seoul Motor Show starts today, Thursday 31st March, Kia is debuting the Naimo all-electric concept. The concept takes its name from the Korean word ‘Ne-mo' meaning square shape - something that lends itself to the Naimo's aesthetic. The crossover utility vehicle, or CUV, was conceived by Kia's international design team in Seoul and is characterized by its ‘simple lines and solid, muscular stance.' The simple overall design sports such interjecting details as the wrap-around windscreen and asymmetric sunroof.  This mixture of simple and complex is a reference to the common traits of many traditional Korean arts and crafts.  The Naimo's interior was designed to evoke a strong sense of tranquility and features hand-crafted materials throughout such as Korean oak on the floor and door cards, with "Han-ji" paper being used for the head lining. Juxtaposing these traditional elements are modern features such as the transparent organic led display instrument panel.