Jaguar C-X75 supercar program halted

Jaguar has dropped plans to put the C-X75 hybrid-powered supercar into production, according to a report Tuesday by Autocar magazine in the UK. The reason is struggling economies around the world, the magazine said, citing Jaguar brand director Adrian Hallmark. Jaguar planned to launch the C-X75 next year and had partnered with the Williams Formula One team to help develop it.

Design Contest: Michelin Challenge Design announces 2008 theme and call for entries

Michelin Challenge Design, one of the world's fastest growing transportation design programs, has announced it will continue its focus on safety in 2008 under the central theme of 'Safety over Size.' The 2008 theme was announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit showcased works from vehicle manufacturers, students, as well as the first full-size concept to be submitted by an independent entrant. Rising energy costs, urban congestion and environmental concerns are all contributing to an increased interest in smaller vehicles, but consumers are often hesitant to consider smaller vehicles due to safety concerns that are both real and perceived. Participating designers are encouraged to 'throw away the book' and to present ideas that enhance the real and perceived safety and security of smaller vehicles through design innovations in areas such as accident avoidance, enhanced driver controls, survivability and visibility.

Proposed M1 Concourse car condos a country club for car buffs

Brad Oleshansky's a "car fanatic" who spends time cruising Detroit's Woodward Avenue, getting shooed out of parking lots by business owners. He sought a space conducive to show and work on cars. "I tried to envision a project where we could capture that whole scene in one destination," he said.