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LA Design Challenge 2011: studios compete to design Hollywood car

This year's LA Design Challenge will see competitors from around the world battle to design Hollywood's next movie car. Participating design studios from General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz Germany (Smart), Mercedes-Benz Japan (Maybach) and Mercedes-Benz US will all be showcasing their creative talents in an effort to secure top honors. Automobiles in Hollywood films produced throughout the years have become some of the most iconic symbols of the films – perhaps as important as the movies themselves.

BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Series introduced

BMW has released images and detail on the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Series The 7 Series ActiveHybrid, although built to serve the same purpose, utilises a different methodology to the X6 AvtiveHybrid. It is a ‘Mild’ Hybrid – built in co-operation with Mercedes – that uses a single electric motor (as opposed to the X6′s twin motors) together with the BMW 4.4 litre, twin-turb0 V8, to deliver 455 horses and 516lb/ft of torque. The V8 delivers 440bhp with the electric motor adding an extra 15bhp.The electric motor in the 7 Series ActiveHybrid is sandwiched between the 8-speed ZF ‘box and the engine.

[Updated] Apple CarPlay set for Geneva debut

Apple is set to launch its integrated in-car iOS CarPlay at this week's Geneva motor show, partnering with Volvo, Ferrari and Mercedes. For the first time CarPlay Apple's iOS will linked directly to the car's built-in screen, with mirrored functions simplified for use while driving. Many functions are controlled by Apple's Siri voice command softwarre although if the car is fitted with a touchscreen and/or other control interfaces these can also be used.These will control major functions such as music, phone calls, iMessages and the controversial Apple Maps for navigation.