BMW's quirky new i3

The side view of the new BMW i3 electric vehicle takes some getting used to, with no two windows the same size or shape. The i3 is high-waisted through the front door and then there's a notch for a taller rear-passenger window and the rear-hinged rear door and a narrow, tapering window at the rear quarter. Yet when you look at the underlying structure -- made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic -- an innovative choice for a mass-produced car -- there's a giant side opening from front to rear.

MyFord Touch revealed at Consumer Electronics Show

Ford is using the concept behind its Sync technology to dramatically redo the appearance of its instrument panels and the manner in which drivers interact with their cars. Ford is revealing MyFord Touch at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and the technology launches on the 2011 Ford Edge followed by global availability on the 2012 Focus. MyLincoln Touch will be standard on new Lincolns, starting with 2011 MKX.

Mercedes-Benz's 'invisible' car stunt [w/video]

Mercedes-Benz has crafted a clever publicity stunt in and around Hamburg as part of its campaign to promote its zero-emission B-Class F-Cell car. The Stuttgart-based carmaker showed off its redesigned hydrogen fuel cell technology by sending out what appears at first glance to be an invisible car, aimed to highlight the automaker's point that the car is 'invisible to the environment'. Mercedes-Benz recorded reactions from passersby to create a 90-second online viral featuring an explanation of how the effect was created using LED lights and cameras.