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New techniques cut cost of carbon fiber

Carbon fiber, once so costly that it was the preferred material only for fighter planes and supercars, is catching the attention of weight-conscious automakers. Carbon fiber's cost is falling dramatically, thanks to production advances that let suppliers speed the material's finicky, and costly, curing process. One technological breakthrough that makes carbon-fiber auto parts more affordable may come from a process used to make carbon-fiber golf clubs.

Video: A look inside CATLY's studio walls and Toyota FT-1 concept development

Motor Trend has taken a look inside the studio walls of CALTY to produce a documentary of the design development of a star of last week's Detroit auto show, the Toyota FT-1 concept. Toyota's Californian design studio has been responsible for some of the company's best recent work including the Lexus LF-LC concept. In this episode of Downshift, Motor Trend spoke to some of those behind the FT-1's design – Kevin Hunter, CALTY Research president, studio chief designer Alex Shen and William Chergosky, interior chief designer.

2015 Kia Sorento revealed ahead of Paris Motor Show debut

Kia Kia has released pictures of its third-generation Sorento SUV ahead of its European unveiling at the Paris Motor Show 2014. The 2015 Kia Sorento is a seven-seat bigger brother to the Sportage, which itself received a mid-life update earlier this year. In typical Kia fashion, the front of the 2015 Sorento is dominated by its “tiger nose” grille, as well as long swept-back headlights – similar to those on the Cee'd hatchback.