The LA Auto Show is once again round the corner, and with it comes the annual Design Challenge competition. This year, the competition has been extended to Japanese and German design studios, in addition to all of the manufacturer-supported studios in Southern California, making it a much more global contest.

The theme for this year's Design Challenge forces designers to envision vehicles that are both kind to the environment yet stylish and exciting to drive. Each concept vehicle must weigh no more than 1,000 pounds, seat four adults, be efficient and safe and provide a rewarding driving experience. Sustainable materials, highly exotic designs and a vision of the future are judging criteria.

Nine automakers in total have answered the competition's call, namely General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Smart, Toyota and Volvo. Here are some examples of the entries..

Cadillac Aera

Aera's highly advanced body structure utilizes a 3D lattice, mono-formed frame. This polyhedral structure is similar to configurations found consistently in nature, e.g., inside the grouping of bubbles. The structure is formed from unique semi-solid freeform manufacturing, creating a naturally strong and extremely lightweight frame. All major body parts, including interior components, are essentially "grown" into a single part lattice structure. Its 10,000 psi composite air storage tank has ample capacity for a 1000 mile range.

Nissan iV

The iV is a super-lightweight sports tourer that showcases "organic synthetics," a revolutionary manufacturing technique in which automotive parts are cultivated like agriculture in a 100% sustainable, carbon-neutral process. Featuring an interwoven organic frame, iV's chassis material is synthetically grown and formed into an aerodynamic shape. Derived from fast-growing ivy and re-enforced with spider silk composite, the biopolymer frame is flexible and ultra-light, yet extremely robust. While the canopy collects solar energy, it also provides protective safety and open-air views of the outdoors. Underneath, a slim bio-battery provides stability and a near limit-less range made possible by regenerative super-capacitor technology that recoups 60% of kinetic energy spent.

MAYBACH DRS - "Den-Riki-Sha"

This MAYBACH is the world