At the Los Angeles Motor Show Porsche will unveilel the Boxter Spyder, a special version of the roadster with a light soft top, reduced weight and sporty suspension setup. It will go on sale in 2010 with a base price of 53,000 Euros excluded taxes.

Honda's entry for the LA Design Challenge is the Helix Concept, a vehicle that interfaces with the driver's DNA thanks to advanced adaptive polymers and offers three configurations, for large cities, congested urban environments and high speed travels.

The GM Car Hero is a futuristic vehicle aimed at offering the driver an experience very similar to the racing videogames: it provides features that entertain and challenge the driver's skills and can change its configuration to become a single seater.

Nissan has released a concept preview sketch of a light commercial electric vehicle. The low-cost van is based on the NV200 and could be launched worldwide as a mass market model after 2012.

The Maranello-based Galleria Ferrari is hosting "Non Solo Rosse", an exhibition dedicated to the story and evolution of colors in the brand's history, not only limited to the iconic Ferrari Red. The show displays several one-off models and will be open until 30 April 2010.

Presented at the LA Design Challenge 2009, the Audi eOra and eSpira concepts are two futuristic vehicles focused on freedom and agility that can be controlled through small body movements.

Scheduled for next 3 December 2009, the 2009 edition of the Design Challenge, hosted at the Los Angeles Auto Show, is based on the theme "Youthmobile 2030" which explores the role of the automobile in the year 2030 for the future generation of young drivers.

At the SEMA Show Local Motors has unveiled the prototype of the Rally Fighter, the off-road racer developed in just 15 months through the innovative crowdsourcing design process. The four-seater car is powered by a BMW 3.0 liter diesel engine and will go on sale on summer 2010.

A new set of official pictures released by Aston Martin for its 4-door flagship Rapide model. The gallery includes exterior and interior studio shots. Powered by a 6.0 liter V12 engine, the Rapide will be launched in early 2010.

Ferrari has released preview images and information on the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park which is set to open in 2010. Among the features is the 200,000 square meters red roof inspired by the double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body with the largest “prancing horse” emblem in the world.

Mitsubishi has announced the introduction of its all-new Compact Crossover, previewed by a design sketch and based on the 2007 Concept-cX. The car will go on sale on February 2010 and will be focused on eco-friendly technologies.

Volkswagen has released a new design sketch of the upcoming sedan model, currently known as NMS (New Midsize Sedan), which could replace the Passat and go on sale in the US market as a 2012 model.

Turin-based IED has presented the results of a project developed in partnership with Fiat Styling Center. The second year students were asked to create cars that would combine the core values of the Fiat and Chrysler brands.

At the 2009 Gwangju Design Biennale (South Korea) 'Kia Design Artworks' showcases concepts and ideas created by the company's Advanced Design Team and based on a wide range of themes and materials. The exhibition will be open until 4 November 2009.

Porsche has published the range of calendars for 2010, including a style-themed calendar entitled "Designed 4 Ambition", created by Porsche designers from the Development Centre and focused on the new Panamera. It will be printed in a limited edition of 4,000 copies.

The Audi A5 Coupé has won the 2010 Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany. The ceremony will take place in Frankfurt on February 2010. We take this occasion to publish a number of exterior and interior design sketches of the model.

Lexus has unveiled the production version of its LFA supercar, which is powered by a mid-front 4.8 liter V10 engine with 560 hp and is based on a hybrid CFRP/aluminum structure. First deliveries are scheduled for the end of 2010.

New images and design sketches of the Saab 9-5 Sedan, the new flagship that will make its US premiere at the Miami Motor Show. Among the highlights are the clean Scandinavian design language and the driver-focused cabin with a head-up information display.

Volkswagen has presented the estate version of the sixth generation Golf, that follows the three- and five-doors and the Plus model. The design features the typical dynamic front end of the latest VW models combined with a more conventional profile and rear end.

The TVR Artemis is a design study of a modern electric sportscar powered by in-wheel motors and inspired by the DNA of the brand. The author is design graduate Niels van Roij from the Netherlands.

At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show Japanese kit car maker Suzusho is presenting the Supasse V, a lightweight 2-seater coupé powered by a Mazda-derived 2.3 turbo engine delivering 270 hp. The design is inspired by British and Italian sportscars.

The official images and information on the Peugeot RCZ, the production sportscar presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It will go on sale in spring 2010 and will feature the main design elements of the original concept, including the double bubble roof and the aluminum roof arches.

Laurenz Schaffer has been appointed President of the California-based BMW Group subsidiary DesignworksUSA, effective 1 December 2009. He will succeed Verena Kloos who will be responsible for Design Strategy and Advance Development at the Munich headquerters.

At the 2009 SEMA Show Chrysler will showcase four Mopar image vehicles, including a 556-hp Dodge Challenger, a Jeep Wrangler that transforms into a mobile campsite, a luxury Dodge Ram 1500 and an extreme Jeep Wrangler with 40-inch tires.

Quattroruote has published the results of the Autostyle 2009 Design Competition organized by Berman and Auto&Design Magazine. The 12 finalist projects have presented tuning kits and special cars based on several production models.

From 16 October to 14 March 2010 the Wolfsonian-Florida International University museum is hosting the exhibition "Styled for the Road: The Art of Automobile Design, 1908 to 1948", with over 80 car design drawings which examine the role of the automobile in the American culture.

The Design Newsletter is a document published by the Nissan press department which features various inside stories and offers an overview of the company's design activities worldwide. The issues are available in pdf format for download.

Subaru has released new images of the Hybrid Tourer Concept, the four-seater technological showcase presented at the Tokyo Motor Show, including design sketches and photos of the interior.

The Saab Kalevala is a design study of a four-door four-seater coupé with an aerodynamic design inspired by the aviation world and by the brand's heritage. The author is design student Rubén Barrientos from Spain.

Audi has presented the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro, powered by the 525 hp V10 engine. The design is characterized by the electrohydraulic soft top, the elimination of the aluminum side blades, new air vents and carbon fiber parts. It will be launched in early 2010 with a price of 156,000 Euros.

The BMW Simple Concept is a three-wheeler leaning personal commuter with a tandem seating layout focused on maximizing enery efficiency. Among the technical features are a drag coefficient of 0.18, a total weight of 450 kg and 36 kW hybrid powertrain.

Unveiled by Toyota at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, the FT-EV II Concept is a study of an ultra-compact four-seater urban electric vehicle characterized by electric sliding doors, drive-by-wire technology and a retro-futuristic interior.

From 3 October until 29 November 2009 the Japanese Hiratsuka Museum of Art hosts the exhibition "Car Design History - Nissan Passion and Beauty of Function", that traces the history of car design in Japan and gives a glimpse into the future of automotive design.

Honda has announced the closure of its automotive and motorcycle design departments at the European Research & Development Center based in Offenbach, Germany. The activities will end on 30 November 2009 after 17 years since opening.

Presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and based on the 2002 1-Liter prototype, the Volkswagen L1 Concept is a narrow two-seater diesel-hybrid that thanks to the lightweight and aerodynamic construction can achieve a fuel consumption of 80 km/liter. It could be produced from 2013.

Nissan has unveiled the Land Glider Concept, an original personal city commuter characterized by the ability to lean in corners, combined with a 1+1 seating layout and a width of just 1.1 meters. The powertrain adopts two rear electric motors.

Unveiled at the 2009 Franfurt Motor Show, the Kangoo Z.E. Concept presents Renault's vision for a future electric vehicle targeted to urban environments and focused on minimizing energy consumption while offering good levels of comfort and practicality.

At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show Toyota will present the FT-86 Concept, a lightweight four-seater coupé designed by Toyota Europe Design Development. It features compact dimensions and a naturally-aspirated 2.0 boxer gasoline engine.

On 28-29 October 2009 the Lugano Conventions Centre will host the first "Design and New Technologies" symposium. The conference will include three sessions on Transportation Design, Architecture and Design and Materials and Design.

Nissan has revealed the first preview sketches of the fourth generation of its global compact car, which will feature a modern design with smooth surfaces and a dynamic stance. It will go on sale from March 2010.

The Aston Martin Volare is a design study of a two-seater sportscar that combines the typical styling cues of the brand with a fuel-cell powertrain and an interior characterized by the use of eco-friendly materials. The author is Coventry graduate James Trim.

On 25 Semptember 2009 Delft University hosted a Symposium on automotive design which saw the participation of Adrian Van Hooydonk and other designers from Pininfarina, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo. A video coverage is available.

A review of "How to illustrate and design Concept Cars", the book by Adrian Dewey published by UK-based Veloce that cover both traditional and digital drawings presenting the author's techniques and workflow process.

The e-2 Concept by German company e-Wolf is a project of an electric supercar with four motors delivering 400 kW and 1,000 Nm and with an exterior design inspired by Ferrari and Lamborghini models. A prototype is planned for 2011.

The Honda EV-N Concept is an small four-seat eletric car inspired by the 1960's N360 micro car. Among the highlights are the replaceable seat fabrics, a solar panel roof and a communications system integrated in the front fascia.

For its 100th anniversary, Audi has selected from its archive a comprehensive set of design-related photos and sketches and released them under the 'Anniversary Magazine Design' label. We report a wide selection of the gallery.

The BMW Lovos Concept is an original design study of a futuristic vehicle with an exterior body made of 260 identical movable parts which integrate air-braking and photovoltaic functions. The designer is German design student Anne Forschner from Pforzheim University.

Presented at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV is powered by a Plug-in Hybrid System that uses differential motorsand a gasoline engine/generator, and features a four-seat interior inspired by airplane cockpits.

Subaru has unveiled the first infromation on its Hybrid Tourer Concept, a design study of a premium four-seater car which combines advanced hybrid technology with an exterior characterized by single gull-wing doors and a spacious cabin with four individual seats.

At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show Honda will unveil the Skydeck Concept, a six-seater hybrid MPV focused on interior space and comfort. The cabin features a minimalistic design and a center tunnel which integrates the battery and powertrain components.