1940 Buick Front Left Front Fender on 2040-parts.com

LA Design Challenge 2011: studios compete to design Hollywood car

This year's LA Design Challenge will see competitors from around the world battle to design Hollywood's next movie car. Participating design studios from General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz Germany (Smart), Mercedes-Benz Japan (Maybach) and Mercedes-Benz US will all be showcasing their creative talents in an effort to secure top honors. Automobiles in Hollywood films produced throughout the years have become some of the most iconic symbols of the films – perhaps as important as the movies themselves.

Three-cylinder Ford Focus is pushed to show off performance potential

Ford has plans to bring a three-cylinder EcoBoost engine to its U.S. lineup in a bit more than a year from now, likely in the Fiesta. But for a car-buying population that thrives on horsepower and 0-to-60-mph times, it might be hard to get excited by a 1.0-liter three-banger.

Mercedes-Benz plans teen-driving school

Mercedes-Benz plans to open a driving school for teens in the United States late this year. The school will be modeled on one that Mercedes launched in the United Kingdom in 2009. The location of the school and the program cost won't be disclosed until the end of April, a company spokesman said.