The PanTerra concept created by Australian designer Filip Tejszerski has taken top honors at this year’s Californian Off-Road Machine design competition organized by Local Motors. The goal for designers was to create an ‘exciting design for an exceptionally capable off-road vehicle which is also functionally practically.’ Tejszerski’s PanTerra was picked because of its combination of functionality and all-around comfort and style. The new design will now enter a finals competition that will conclude on the 17th of June and includes a $10,000 cash prize. Other strong competitors include the Gravemaker concept, seen here in red, by Marek Rakucak, as well as the Opportunity Concept by Benjamin Louis and LMone concept by Jon Leu. Local Motors describes itself as a next-generation American car manufacturer and plans to eventually build and bring to market one of the winning designs.

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The NYC custom auto show kicked off this weekend at pier 94. It held host to about 4000 people you came to enjoy all its custom cars and performing acts. On-road, off-road and everything in between. Wheel Concepts Nation has truly perfected the auto show. From luxury to classics, tuned-out imports to monster trucks; bikes, exotics and donks…Their show proved today they have it all. Best of all, these aren’t concept cars but real vehicles owned and driven by some of the most devout automobile enthusiasts in the world! Here’s some photos from todays show. See all photos from todays show

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On April 27th, 2008, automotive enthusiasts from across Southern California converged on Pierce College in Woodland Hills for the Motor4Toys SWAT Support Charity Car Show organized by Dustin Troyan. The purpose of this show was to raise money for the families of Randal Simmons and James Veenstra, LAPD SWAT officers who were killed and injured in a standoff in February.

Organized through Drivenworld.com, a motorsports enthusiasts’ forum, petrol-heads of all kinds were rallied to help raise money for this very worth cause. Everything from restored and original classics to exotic cars, hotrods to luxury cars, racecars to low-riders, muscle cars to import cars were present for the day’s events. The show kicked off with a 6 mile memorial cruise escorted by full police motorcade. With over 700 cars participating, the cruise was definitely an unforgettable experience. After all the cars returned to the parking lot, it was time to enjoy the beautiful and eclectic assortment of cars present. The culmination of the show was a live auction with everything from free oil changes to $1500 collections of Patron Tequila. Dustin and his Motor4Toys Foundation successfully brought in over $46,000 in just four hours, with 100% of the money brought in going straight to the families of the officers.

When I asked Dustin what his plans were for the next show, he told me that his “focus is now on the 5th Annual Motor4toys Charity Car Show. We have doubled the attendees every year and more than doubled the toy count too. For this year’s event, I want to have 10,000 cars and to collect 30,000 toys. We are changing the location and the program this year. We will have vendors, displays, and an amazing location.” Dustin says that if it wasn’t for the remarkable car community we have here in Southern California, none of this would be possible. “They make all of the Motor4Toys events happen. In my mind, each and every one of them are heroes.” Stay tuned to Drivenworld.com for more updates on upcoming charity shows.

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Land Rover LR2

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Chrysler’s last few years have been emblematic of the difficulty some of the older portions of the automobile industry are having adjusting to the increasingly mature, saturated and urban U.S. and global automobile markets. But Chrysler isn’t counting itself out yet. Repackaging the Chrysler structure as a smaller, lighter company is going well, according to Chrysler’s top executives, but it’s not going to be quick - or painless.

Though they don’t hold hope for a profitable 2008, and are doubtful about next year as well, the top brass at Chrysler think it will weather the reformulation of its business to emerge more fit for today’s auto industry. The company is on plan or ahead of its goals to return to profitability, according to CEO Bob Nardelli. They are also proud of their ability to keep fighting despite the tough times.

“Lesser companies would have buckled,” said Nardelli, speaking with the Detroit Free Press.

The company continues to streamline its dealer network, vehicle lineup and worker pay structure as it slims its business model to fit the times. But all of these initiatives are slow, careful maneuvers that will take five to seven years to complete.

The company is also taking some creative new steps to help ensure its changes keep it relevant to the people that will buy its cars. A design forum for the public that allows up to 5,000 people to give their input on videos, presentations and upcoming products will help guide Chrysler’s future direction.

And although the Dodge Challenger - especially the potent SRT8 version - isn’t slated for high-volume sales, the image of strength and performance it presents is something that’s been missing from the brand’s stable, with the notable exception of the Viper, for quite some time. The greater availability and therefore visibility of the new muscle car should help kick start the change in perception the company is seeking as it moves forward.

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BMW 135

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Audi S6

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