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Designer insights: highlights of Auto Design Prague 2014

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, might not seem the most obvious choice for an automotive design conference. But when one considers the country's history of innovation in the arts and architecture, its long-lived automotive marques like Tatra and Skoda, and Prague's central location in Europe, it makes perfect sense. Conference speakers included the program design director for Citroën DS, Ivo Groen; Volvo vice president of design Thomas Ingenlath; Jaguar advanced design director, Julian Thomson; Gert Hildebrand, head of design for Qoros; and Johann Lemercier, program manager at Ferrari design.

Mazda MX-5 with 270hp launched by BBR

The MX-5 has always lacked one thing: power. But now, British tuner BBR is launching a turbocharged MX-5 that produces 270hp and is capable of reaching 60mph in less than 5 seconds. Based on a 2013 Mazda MX-5 2.0-litre Sport Tech Roadster Coupe, the BBR GT270 will reach 60mph in 4.9 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 150mph.

Lotus Exige S V6 hits the U.K.

Most recent Lotus news has been generated by a rumor that Volkswagen is considering buying the British brand's parent company, Proton. But Lotus didn't let that keep it from making a little news of its own. The long-awaited first production Lotus Exige S V6 rolled off the line Thursday in Hethel, Norfolk, in the United Kingdom.