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Design Essay: Are smart roads just around the corner?

In order to remain relevant, the car must constantly evolve. But while almost all attention focuses on four wheels, the roads that facilitate an automobile's progress have remained relatively unaltered since Eisenhower formed the National Highway system in the 1950s. With environmental concerns getting ever higher on the agenda, there is an opportunity to think outside the (metal) box and rethink the road, making it as smart as the vehicles and devices that travel upon it.

Audi Q7 gets a facelift

But it’s been three years since we were first introduced to the Q7 (at the Los Angeles Motor Show in 2006) so Audi has decided the Q7 needed a little facelift. There have been a few spy shots around recently showing a slightly changed Q7, so we knew it was coming. But, like all the best facelifts, it’s barely perceptible.

Arrinera 2013 Arrinera

New Polish car company Arrinera has announced that work on the prototype of the new model – also called the Arrinera confusingly – is complete and it will now be embarking on moving the design to production. The company has claimed that the inspiration for the car's design came from that of the stealth-fighter, although there are obvious features reminiscent of Lamborghini, such as the doors, a Reventon-esque front end, Gallardo-like rear intakes, and vents ahead of the rear wheels similar to those on the Murcielago. Arrinera asserts that the cabin will be adorned in only the finest handcrafted leather and carbon fiber and highlighted with aluminum trim.