Pioneer Remote Controller Control Unit Qxe1044 on 2040-parts.com

AW Design Forum: Ralph Gilles talks technology - with style

Chrysler Group is known for its rough and tough trucks and menacing muscle cars, but its design boss said technology is going to be the game-changer for car designers going forward. Ralph Gilles, who is also CEO of the Dodge brand, said cars must be able to adapt to evolving technologies while remaining striking and pleasing to the eye. Smartphones, touch screens and colorful interfaces are all becoming common inside cars.

MG Icon concept car at 2012 Beijing motor show

MG's new Chinese owners showed a Nissan Juke-alike concept car called the Icon at the 2012 Beijing motor show. Its footprint is identical to that of the original MG BT. Although a pure concept car, a spokesman confirmed that the study was a guide to what we could expect from future models from MG.

Lincoln MKZ

Lincoln has released details and images of the production version of the Lincoln MKZ, first seen in concept form at this year's Detroit auto show. The production MKZ is largely unchanged aside from details such as door handles and larger side mirrors, while Lincoln has retained classic design elements such as the split-wing grille, albeit with a slimmer, sportier twist. Lincoln Design Director Max Wolff says, "The exterior's front graphic is repeated in the dramatic sweep of the new instrument panel, helping tie the interior to the exterior in a harmonious manner." The exterior of the MKZ is characterized by its sweeping roofline which features a 4633mm2 retractable panoramic roof.