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Concept Car of the Week: Italdesign Machimoto (1986)

The Machimoto might look and sound like a Japanese concept, but it was developed in Europe in the Turin-based Italdesign studio, and was based on a Volkswagen Golf GTI platform. The name actually derives from MACHIna (car in Italian) and MOTOciclo (motorcycle) as the perfect hybrid between the worlds of two- and four-wheelers. Unveiled on its home turf at the Turin motor show in 1986, it landed like a UFO, shocking both the public and the press.

Speedy green: Italdesign-Giugiaro's Frazer-Nash Namir

Whatever uncertainties await us on the other side of oil, there will still be speed. If the Frazer-Nash Namir is any indication, there will still be a frightening amount of it. One of the stars of this year's Geneva motor show, the Namir points the way to a responsible generation's supercar--and sets out to prove the technology for its mass-production cars, too.

Hyundai Curb Concept at Detroit

Hyundai Curb Concept - on show at Detroit Whatever your opinion about Hyundai - and Kia, for that matter – we’d bet that it’s changed in the last few years. From dismissing Hyundai as the Lada for our age, you’ve probably come to accept, as have we, that they are churning out cars that deserve a place in the market. Hyundai’s offerings may not be up your street – you may prefer something with a posher badge – but what’s on offer with Hyundai’s latest models does need to be considered alongside much of the best from Japan, if you’re looking to buy in that market.