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MIT researchers rethink electric-car batteries

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology say a new battery design for electric vehicles could be a lightweight and inexpensive alternative. The goal for the team's three-year project, launched in September 2010, is to have a functioning prototype ready to be engineered as a replacement for existing electric-car batteries. At this point in the project, the prototype uses a “semi-solid flow” to separate the two functions of a battery--storing energy and discharging it when needed--into separate physical structures.

Video: A look inside CATLY's studio walls and Toyota FT-1 concept development

Motor Trend has taken a look inside the studio walls of CALTY to produce a documentary of the design development of a star of last week's Detroit auto show, the Toyota FT-1 concept. Toyota's Californian design studio has been responsible for some of the company's best recent work including the Lexus LF-LC concept. In this episode of Downshift, Motor Trend spoke to some of those behind the FT-1's design – Kevin Hunter, CALTY Research president, studio chief designer Alex Shen and William Chergosky, interior chief designer.

2013 GMC Terrain Denali priced from $35,350

The 2013 GMC Terrain Denali five-passenger SUV will have a base price of $35,350, including shipping charges. The 2013 Terrain is the latest GMC offering to get the luxury Denali trim, joining the Acadia Denali, the Sierra Denali pickup and the Yukon Denali. Pricing for the 2013 full model lineup hasn't been made available, but the 2012 Terrain ranges from a base price of $26,385 up to $32,085 for the top SLT-2 trim level.