Search the Community

Hyundai has unveiled the Veloster C3 Roll Top Concept at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, adding to the unique design of the Korean coupe. According to the Hyundai, C3 stands for "Convertible 3-door". The concept features a automatically retracting canvas-top in place of the center section of the roof and a rear tailgate which flips down like a printer's tray. Hyundai has also designed a latch at the rear compartment for securing a bicycle with the tailgate opened. On the new concept, Hyundai commented, "In convertible mode with the top rolled back, the C3 is a free spirit for driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. Roll the top forward, open the tailgate, fold the rear seats and the C3 goes into recreation mode - perfect for surfing, biking or kayaking." The C3 concept has a blackened front grille, orange-coloured side mirrors, 18-inch alloy rims in different shades for the front and back wheels. The front leather seats come with red trimmings at the supportive areas. "We were inspired by the proverb 'A rolling stone gathers no moss", explained Chris Chapman, chief designer of Hyundai Design North America. "The Veloster C3 Roll Top concept offers the 'no strings attached' freedom of a roll top convertible and customizable utility that fits an everyday to a play day dual lifestyle."

Perhaps to prove that their 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine is truly a compact unit, Ford chose to transport it in a hand-carry cabin luggage on its way from Detroit to the Los Angeles Airport. The winner of the 2012 'International Engine of The Year' award claims to occupy only the footprint of an A4 size paper when it was launched. From the photo, only the empty engine block is carried and hence it should not be too heavy. Fortunately, the car engine passed the transportation security screening without any problem. The engine is on its way for the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. Ford is showing the engine to the US market in preparation for its launch in the 2014 model year Ford Fiesta. The tiny turbocharged 1.0-litre engine is the epitome of downsizing, churning out 125bhp with 200Nm of torque on overboost. In addition to the face-lifted Fiesta, the engine is also powering the Focus hatchback and the 4.8m all-new Ford Mondeo. Ford proves that great things do come in small packages!