Design/Styling

Engineering firm all about functional excellence With the aim of becoming a center of excellence in electric vehicle development, Applus IDIADA is bringing its technical capability in that arena to the SAE 2012 World Congress in Detroit April 24-26. Read full story

Jeep pickup among concepts for Moab The recent reveal of two Wrangler-based concept trucks again raises the question as to whether Jeep will add a production pickup to its lineup. Read full story

Acura shows new flagship concept The upmarket Honda brand has added hybrid power and four-wheel steering to its largest sedan and renamed it the RLX. Read full story

Flying car makes debut in New York With folding wings to reduce width to garageable status, the Terrafugia Transition Roadable Aircraft fits into the “light sport plane” category and delivers 35 mpg fuel economy on the road. The company claims 100 orders with $10,000 deposits for the $279,000 vehicle. Read full story

2013 Buick Enclave makes debut in New York The crossover has freshened front and rear styling, a six-speed automatic with Generation II module and software for improved driveability, and a center front airbag is installed in all models. Read full story

Unconventional steel wheel designs The drawings done by collegiate students for a steel wheel design competition had industry professionals thinking about future production possibilities. Read full story

Ford launches global light CV platform at Geneva The new model will replace the existing Tourneo and Transit and the long-running E-Series Econoline in North America. Read full story

New York City 'Taxi of Tomorrow' to debut at NY International Auto Show Based on Nissan NV200 compact van, the new taxi could boost fuel economy 37% over the Ford Crown Victoria, the widely-used choice today. The 10-year contract with NYC includes provision for an all-electric version to be introduced by 2017. Read full story

Bentley to build luxury SUV? The Bentley SUV rumor is hardly a new one, so it didn’t come as a surprise to find that it has taken the step into concept form, emerging at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show as the EXP 9 F. EXP are the letters that have been used for experimental Bentley designs for almost a century, while the F, according to Bentley, stands for Falcon. Read full story