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BMW's Vision EfficientDynamics concept bound for Frankfurt

BMW has revealed a radical vision for its future performance-oriented models in a spectacularly styled concept car whose combination of M3-rivaling acceleration and Mini Cooper-beating fuel economy will likely make it one of the stars of this year's Frankfurt motor show. Called Vision EfficientDynamics, the one-off coupe is a mobile showcase for lightweight construction and plug-in hybrid drive technology, while featuring a variety of futuristic styling, packaging, aerodynamic, lighting and interior ideas under development at the German carmaker's heavily cloaked FIZ development center in Munich. Many of the concepts are planned for use on upcoming BMW road cars, including an exciting Z10 EfficientDynamics range-topping model due by 2015.

Toyota Prius Recall: 30,790 cars in the UK, 1.9 million worldwide recalled

The 3rd generation Toyota Prius (pictured) is being recalled Toyota’s hasn’t had a lot of luck with recalls in the last few years, although the latest recall for the Toyota Prius isn’t quite on the scale we’ve seen for previous recalls. It’s only eight months since the last Toyota Prius recall – which affected around 5,000 Prius models in the UK from 2009 – but this latest recall is a lot more extensive, affecting third generation Prius built from March 2009 to February 2014 and totalling 30,790 cars in the UK and 1.9 million worldwide. The issue is a problem with the hybrid system’s boost converter software, which is used when the car is under heavy load such as accelerating hard from a standstill.

Design Contest: NDA wins 2009 LA Design Challenge

A future where environmentalists and car enthusiasts - not to mention sober-minded adults and thrill-seeking young people - all coexist in harmony just might be possible with Nissan's V2G concept vehicle. The hypothetical design study, which runs on a futuristic grid of electric roadways but can also be customized for 'off grid' joy riding, won the 2009 LA Auto Show Design Challenge for the way it embodies this year's 'Youthmobile 2030' theme. The focus was to create vehicles that would appeal to a generation of young drivers raised on cell phones and social media.