1999 Harley Davidson Gear Cover on 2040-parts.com

Lexus previews production NX compact crossover

Lexus has published a preview of the 2015 Lexus NX luxury compact crossover, scheduled to debut April 20 at the 2014 China auto show in Beijing. The upcoming Lexus NX is meant to battle the likes of the BMW X1, the Audi Q3, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA, and it was previewed earlier in concept form as the LF-NX. Lexus has once again gone from concept to production vehicle in record time, and if this teaser image is any indication, it has significantly toned town the design of the LF-NX concept -- no surprise there, though in this case it appears Lexus has ditched the angular design language almost entirely.

How to Draw Cars Now! tutorials target budding car designers

Whether you're just starting out in car design, or if you're looking to brush up on your presentation techniques, How to Draw Cars Now! Analog vs Digital Drawing Techniques by Arvind Ramkrishna is a new resource that aims to improve your skills. Not to be confused with the I Draw Cars Sketchbook, Ramkrishna's offers two DVDs, a 20-page reference book as well as three Ebooks that cover all the basics of automotive illustration from basic sketching techniques through to full-blown digital painting with all steps in between.

Kia teases Chicago-bound Cross GT concept

Kia has revealed a sneek peek of its Cross GT Concept ahead of its unveiling at the Chicago auto show. The carmaker has said that the Cross GT Concept "hints at the future of Kia's design language in the form of a premium Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) that is larger than the new 2014 Sorento." Although the render provides only a limited view, the front end features slim, swept back lamps that flank Kia's signature grille. A jutting chin and coupe-esque roofline add the requisite crossover mashup elements.