Royal College of Art and SABIC collaborate on new ‘VISIcON’ program and design competition

The Royal of Art and chemicals manufacturer SABIC has announced the launch of a three-month research program and competition called 'VISIcON'. Over 30 post-graduate students from the college's Vehicle Design program are studying and analyzing how SABIC's thermoplastic lighting materials and LEXAN polycarbonate (PC) glazing technologies can be used practically and creatively to improve the lighting and illumination of future vehicles. VISIcON asks students from the RCA's automotive students split into three groups: the Automark group's emphasis on developing and enhancing brand identity through lighting; Urban Flow's focus directed towards discovering innovative exterior lighting; and Inside Out studio is working on improving and extending the use of light in the vehicle interior through lighting components and PC glazing.

Mercedes-Benz revives its classic Gullwing two-seater as the SLS

Mercedes-Benz's gorgeous 300SL--or Gullwing, as it is affectionately now known--has been reborn five decades after the iconic two-seater first sent the motoring world into a spin at the New York auto show in 1954. We were the first to report Mercedes' secret plans to resurrect the Gullwing following Dieter Zetsche's decision not to forge ahead with a second supercar in collaboration with its Formula One partner, McLaren. Now we can confirm the name--SLS--along with details of its state-of-the-art construction, unique driveline, performance and much more.

Hyundai's record year – can it continue? (2013)

Hyundai’s metamorphosis is complete – it’s now one of the ten most popular car brands in the UK, and the first Korean manufacturer ever to crack into the Premier League of UK car buying habits. Sales in 2012 soared by 18.1% to 74,000 units, while its Kia sister brand scored 66,000 registrations last year, according to the new SMMT figures out this week. The Korean double-act isn’t just a thorn in the side of the established French mainstream brands: it’s killing them off completely.