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Winners of the 'Ultimate LA Machine' Design Challenge announced

 The judges of the Los Angeles Auto Show's Design Challenge have named the Dodge Superbee and Volkswagen Mobile Lounge as joint-winners of the first ever automobile design studio competition. Designer Reto Brun of Volkswagen/Audi Design Center California said his studio considered two Los Angeles issues when designing the Volkswagen Mobile Lounge - an antidote to traffic and a better option for the area's "limo-centric" entertainment culture. Whisper-quiet fuel cell technology whisks occupants towards their destination while electronically controlled tinted glass, an open living space and innumerable in-car amenities provide a supremely comfortable environment.

Video: The Making of the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo

In a new video exploring the design of the AMG Vision Gran Turismo, Mercedes-Benz designers speak of their excitement at designing without restrictions. The video, which features figures such as design vice-president Gorden Wagener, traces the car's development from the sketch phase to the final model – unveiled at last month's Los Angeles auto show. Steffen Köhl, director advanced design global, says, "We had the mix between the very far away showcar design – free and pure emotion – and a car that reacts realistically in the game." "The most stunning aspect of this car is the proportion.

Drivers' 'huge petrol tax burden'

BRITISH DRIVERS are still facing a huge petrol and diesel tax burden despite three years of fuel duty freezes, according to the RAC Foundation. The UK has the highest rate of diesel tax in Europe while only Sweden imposes a higher petrol tax duty than the UK, the foundation said. Its figures showed that tax accounts for 59% of the price of diesel in the UK, with Sweden (56%) second and Italy (55%) third.