BMW to build plug-in hybrid sports coupe

BMW has thrown its hat into the eco-supercar ring by confirming plans to place the Vision EfficientDynamics concept into production. The futuristically styled plug-in hybrid was first revealed at the Frankfurt motor show in 2009. It is set to undergo an accelerated development program that aims to place the low-slung four-seater on sale in all of BMW's key world markets, including North America, by October 2013.

Smart wins 2011 LA Design Challenge

Daimler's Smart division won this year's LA Design Challenge, the brief of which was to create ‘Hollywood's Hottest New Movie Car'. The entries were judged on how well the vehicle reflected its brand attributes relative to the plot, how the vehicle related to the target audience, and the level of imagination found within the entry. Befitting the ‘Hollywood movie car' theme, the uniqueness of the story concept and the character development of the vehicle were also factors that helped determine the overall winner.

Acura RLX Concept

Acura held the world debut of the Acura RLX Concept at the New York auto show, which indicates the design and engineering direction for Acura's flagship sedan, set to launch at the beginning of 2013. The RLX Concept's design continues the brand's ‘Keen Edge' design philosophy, with bodyside surfacing clearly related to the ILX we first saw in Detroit. The RLX maintaining approximately the same length as the current RL but with a wheelbase increased by 50mm while the front overhang has been reduced by the same amount.