With all the talk about tight Average Fuel Companies Economy (CAFE) requirements lately (35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, and some legislators calling for 60 mpg nine years after that), many of us gearheads understandable worry about the future. However, forcing cars to design a new car is substantially more efficient may not be all bad news; to make a quantum leap in fuel economy, cars have to feel lighter than they are now, because a clean diesel engines, hybrid systems and win like 't enough by itself. And in addition to increased efficiency, less mass also means better acceleration, braking and handling:. This background, the people of Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge behind the annual develop rules for the contest this year thusly Create a four-passenger vehicle with a weight of 1000 pounds or less comfortable, safe, and provide satisfactory performance and looks. When all was said and done, nine from seven concept car (Daimler made ​​one for every three brand passenger cars) are delivered and, if you ask us, they are all significantly less pressing than others automotive vision of our future. But do not take our word for it, made ​​the jump and judge for yourself.

With a name that combines the words "aero" and "era," is GM's entry low slung 2 +2 coupe with 1,000 miles claimed. How do I manage such outrageous figure? The Aera Cadillac uses lightweight lattice structure is inspired by forms found in nature (including the bubbles), and covered by a flexible polymer skin rather than hard body panels. Power comes from compressed air.

As a (rather boring) name, the entry of Honda also use compressed air for propulsion. The 800 lb vehicle (!) Also use the "Vacuums turbo" and air flow while in motion to help re-press system, expand the range of 100 miles. styling, meanwhile, took inspiration from the modern roller coaster, and the whole package rides on urethane wheels hubless quartet.

In what is perhaps the biggest departure from what each participant is currently constructing, Maybach has made ​​this two-wheeled pod whose name is short hand for "Den-Riki-Sha" (electric-powered rickshaws). But the draft is not the most outrageous element of the machine, which is a product of Mercedes-Benz Tokyo studio, no, the honor that goes with the way it will be produced. You see, DRS will be naturally produced vehicles (NMV), where a small number of these things will "grow" in a cocoon using a series of organic process changed. Think freakier Cinderella's pumpkin carriage ... only.

Given the commitment Mazda driving pleasure, should not be surprising that the submission of an emphasis on fun and efficiency. Open Wheel MX-0 will utilize sustainable composite materials in construction, and materials will also be affordable thanks to automated manufacturing processes. Combine this lightweight frame with high-torque electric motor to move it along and you have a car with a spectacular power-to-weight ratio.

In the case Maybach effort was not doing enough to blur the boundary between living beings and machines, the parent of Mercedes-Benz marque create curvaceous Biome. Instead of using a battery or air tank, Biome stores energy in these structures, which are made from a material called BioFibre. Vehicle absorb energy from the sun through BioNectar4534 called liquid. Finally, all vehicles will literally grow from the DNA contained in the Three-Pointed Star badge on the nose, and at the end of his life, which Biome can be reused as compost or building materials. The only thing Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed is whether or not safe to eat in case you get stranded in the middle of nowhere. Mmmm ... veggie car ...

In accordance with the trend of arrivals this year, Nissan has also decided to hire a consultant with Mother Nature as his vehicle structure. Machine generated - that iV - has a structure derived from fast-growing ivy (hence the name) and spider silk composites. The cockpit is enclosed by canopies made ​​of photovoltaic material Superlight that sends current to provide power supercapacitors. They, in turn, spins a set of concentric wheels hubless patented it, thanks to magnetic levitation, also provides the steering and bearings ride.

Yet Another vegetable whip, which monocoque of nori from Toyota combine bioplastics made ​​from nori (the Japanese word for "seaweed") with carbon fiber. Solar cells are also woven into the structure of the combined vehicle (which Toyota calls "PODULAR") to help fill the removable battery that drives four in-wheel electric motors. Bored with the exterior color or texture? This can be changed electronically on the fly.

For decades, Volvo cars are designed only to use a ruler, or at least appear so. Over the last 10 years or more, though, they seem to get more adventurous, and Air Motion - Swedish company entries in this competition - is no exception. The, plump open the shell of carbon fiber top rests on four narrow, open wheel. As the name suggests, Air Motion pneumatically powered, topping off at gas stations that also harnesses the power of air through the floating wind turbine 1000 ft overhead that provides electricity to run the compressor on the ground. Perhaps the answer is really Blowin 'in the wind.