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Infographic: How much clay do Ford’s design studios use each year?

Ford has offered an insight into its clay modeling processes with a series of videos and an infographic that charts the process involved in turning a designer's sketch into a full-size model. The infographic uses data taken from all of Ford's global design studios in 2012 to give an idea of how much clay is used in a year, plus how much paint and di-noc film is used to cover each model. Ford has also released a video that gives a behind-the-scenes look at the firm's clay modeling studio in Merkenich, Germany, including interviews with members of the modeling team.

Hyundai Elantra Coupe

Hyundai is set to expand its Elantra range with the introduction of two new models, the GT hatchback – based on the European i30 – and the all-new Coupe, shown here. The Coupe continues Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design language, this time applied to the Elantra's long and low proportions. At 4,539mm in length, 1,775mm wide, 1,435mm high and with a wheelbase of 2,700mm, the Coupe is 9mm longer and 216mm lower than the Elantra sedan.

Smart ForTwo

First launched in 1998 as the MCC Smart City Coupe, the ForTwo has been redeveloped as it moves towards the North American market. Length has increased from 2.5m to just under 2.7m - for greater crash protection and more trunk space, which now stands at 340 liters when packed to the roof. Regulations have also seen the IP straightened out, though the prominent air vents remain.