Pontiac SD-290

According to GM, the Pontiac SD-290 concept is "Designed to evoke the emotions of classic sports cars". Introduced at SEMA, the vehicle is derived from a Pontiac Solstice but has been transformed into a pure single-seat race car with its passenger compartment made obsolete by a hard tonneau cover. Despite its competition red paint scheme, it is difficult not to relate the SD-290 to the timeless shape of a D-Type Jaguar. We can also see the influence of BMW's 2004 H2R land speed record breaking concept in the SD-290's asymmetrical layout, with its racing cockpit protected only by a small windscreen in front of the driver and a faired headrest and roll-bar behind the seat.

NHTSA funds development of alcohol-measuring start button

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded Takata-TruTouch some $2.25 million to continue to develop its In-Vehicle Alcohol Detection test, the company said. Takata, a safety and technology company, and TruTouch have created a vehicle start button with an integrated infrared sensor that can measure your blood-alcohol content. If the reading exceeds legal limits, the system can disable the starter.

Audi Q7 S Line Sport and Style Editions revealed

Audi Q7 S Line Style Edition and S Line Sport Edition revealed The Audi Q7 is rapidly becoming invisible in the premium SUV market as it’s overshadowed by newer offerings from BMW and Mercedes, and from Land Rover too. But we’re expecting an all new Audi Q7 to arrive later in 2014 which, Audi hope, will offer enough to make the Q7 relevant to buyers of big, luxury SUVs once again. But in the meantime, Audi still wants to be shifting Q7s from their showrooms so we get a pair of special edition Q7s – the Q7 S Line Sport Edition and S Line Style Edition – to hopefully add a bit of fizz to Q7 sales.