AW Design Forum: Icon Aircraft banks on design and performance

Icon Aircraft is hard evidence that design can be a difference maker. The startup company plans to launch the Icon A5 amphibious aircraft by late 2011, and its eye-catching design and versatility--it can bank on water and fly--has created a stir among enthusiasts of all stripes. Its philosophy is simple: "Is it badass?

2012 Focus gets Ford’s new Door Edge Protector

Ford’s new Active Door Edge Protector When Adam was a lad, dings on the edges of doors caused by careless passengers opening a door without any thought were mitigated by a quick trip to Halfords for a set of clip-on plastic door-edge protectors. But they’ve rather gone out of fashion. Which isn’t terribly surprising.

Infiniti EX35

The EX35 is a slightly smaller and more mainstream SUV than its FX bigger brother from which it takes its core 'coupe SUV' theme.  Despite the coupe design references, the vehicle is similar proportionally to the Lexus RX300 and BMW X3 which it will compete with in the US - and also in Europe when the Infiniti brand debuts next year.  Little different to the Infiniti EX concept shown in New York, the EX35 uses the core Infiniti graphic design signatures and soft form language but introduces a new flowing side feature line not seen on the Infiniti G37 Coupe launched a few months ago. Interesting technical innovations include the 'Around View Monitor' that uses four cameras to give a 'top-down view' of the outside of the car, and 'Scratch Shield' - a new self-healing clearcoat paint. Related Stories: Infiniti EX concept - New York Auto Show 2007 Infiniti G37 Coupe - New York Auto Show 2007