Hollywood's Hottest New Movie Car

Each year in conjunction with the Los Angeles Auto Show automotive designers from around the world are challenged to create visionary new vehicles to compete in a Design Challenge. Fittingly, the theme of this year’s competition is “Hollywood’s Hottest New Movie Car” and the backstories of the vehicles are almost as interesting as the cars themselves.

Honda IH (Intelligent Horse) Honda’s story "High Noon" is set hundreds of years in the future on an Earth recovering from the aftermath of a giant comet impact that wiped out the world’s infrastructure, leaving bands of humans to fend for themselves as they try to rebuild civilization. The all-terrain vehicle is based on a then extinct creature know as a horse, and aims to be both companion and transportation. Built with a mix of artificial intelligence and additive technology, it can communicate with its driver and evolve with the environment, as humans battle over fuel and resources, something Mr. Ed never had to do.

Mercedes Silver Arrow In “Silver Lightning” two crash test dummies fitted with artificial intelligence try to save their car from the evil Dr. Barrier (no relation to Daimler boss Dr. Z.) The open “Hoop” two seat Silver Arrow hearkens back to classic Mercedes-Benz racing cars while featuring a futuristic hub-less roller track that gives it omni-directional maneuvering abilities.

Smart 341 Parkour In “Annie Get the Grannies!” intrepid reporter Annie Angle travels through Cantpark City behind the wheel of her Smart 341 Parkour, searching for the missing Granny Robots. With retractable wheels fitted with vacuum cups and induction pads, the 341 Parkour can climb buildings or simply fly over them. And to snag those really tight parking spots, the 341 Parkour can do a “handstand” on its front wheels, just like the baggy pants competitors who take part in its namesake sport.

Hyundai Stratus Sprinter and DB Atlant The “Countess of Siberia” is just your everyday working girl. The vampire turned Soviet spy turned anti-Communist crusader lives in an airship that carries around her Hyundai Stratus Sprinter combat MPV which has the ability to turn invisible in daylight and reappear after dark. You'll have to watch the film (if they ever make it) to find out if it comes with Hyundai’s 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

Maybach Berline Who needs a coach made from a pumpkin when you can have one of these? In “Cinderella and the Maybach Berline” Cindy’s dad sends the virtual chauffeur around to pick her up in his ultra-luxurious, electric carriage. Complete with royal lounge seating and a 3D laser projection screen, it’s just the thing to attract the eye of Prince Charming. Guys do like cars and cool gadgets, you know.

Subaru Horizon After the rotation of the Earth stopped and created a “Divided” planet, humans were forced to set up shop on the cooler dark side. But, as luck would have it, the source of their energy is running low and the only place it can be found is located where the sun shines, a lot. With their magic cat Pleiades in tow, three brave humans jump in their go-anywhere Subaru Horizon, which can withstand the high temperatures electromagnetic fields and toxic atmosphere found on the other side of the world, to save the day, er…night.