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AutoWeek Design Forum: McLaren evolves with carbon fiber

McLaren Automotive design boss Frank Stephenson detailed his company's transformation from strictly racing to producing road-going models on Thursday at the AutoWeek Design Forum. McLaren is launching the highly anticipated MP4-12C this year, and the company has been hard at work refining the use of carbon fiber, which it pioneered in the iconic McLaren F1. The company cut the amount of time required to design a carbon-fiber tub from 3,000 hours for the F1 to a mere four hours for the MP4-12C.

Red Bull front row for Korea Grand Prix

The 2012 Korean Grand Prix has a Red Bull front row after Mark Webber snatched pole from Sebastian Vettel. McLaren’s Hamilton is third. Qualifying for the Korean Grand Prix in Seoul this morning looked like it was heading Red Bull’s way, with Sebastian Vettel strongest in Q1 and Q2.

Fiat plans 500 and 500c Gucci editions

Gucci editions of the 2012 Fiat 500 and 500 convertible will go on sale in December, Fiat said Tuesday. The cars will feature glossy pearl paint, green and red stripes on the body or roof, and satin-chrome mirrors and door handles. The interior will have special embroidery, two-tone seats, leather accents along with other design touches.