Passat Comfort Control Module on 2040-parts.com

Frankfurt 2011 - Best in Show

Given the array of new cars at motor shows, it's often difficult to pick one as the overall star of the show. While, in theory, there appears to have been a glut of new concept and production cars to choose from in Frankfurt, in reality there were less than a handful of marked standout designs. Here are our picks.

Mercedes Ener-G-Force: The shape of SUVs to come

The Mercedes Energ-G-Force, which will debut at the Los Angeles auto show, could be the shape of Mercedes SUVs to come--if you like it. “If people really like it and reaction is good then yeah, we might have to think of making it happen in reality,” said designer Huey Lee, who was part of the team that penned the Energ-G-Force at Mercedes' Advanced Design Studio in Carlsbad, Calif. Metalcrafters built the carbon fiber composite roller you see here.

Infiniti to sell luxury EV in 2013

Infiniti plans to launch its first luxury electric vehicle in the United States and other global markets in 2013. Nissan Motor Co.'s luxury division said Friday that the Infiniti EV will be “a stylish, high performance five-seat luxury vehicle with zero emissions technology.” Infiniti first announced plans to market an electric vehicle last year but offered few details until now. It will be based on the same platform as the Nissan Leaf, an electric car scheduled to go on sale later this year.