For the petrol-head amongst us, this is no more evident than the use of the motor car. From Steve McQueen's Bullitt, to the likes of Gone In 60 Seconds, 007, The Italian Job and the more recent Fast & Furious franchise films - automobiles on the big screen are something we aspire to associate with.

One vehicle that captures some of the most imagination lurks in the depths of DC Comics stella array of publications - that being the legendary 'Batmobile'.

With this icon in mind, it was decided to look forward to where the future of the Batmobile was heading. In the upcoming Batman vs. Superman film, rumor has it that the next Batmobile will be based on a GM model, while another 'older Caddy' will feature prominently too.

Taking these rumors into account, the brief was simple; to design a vehicle that captures the essence of Batman's past while progressing forward in a modern, dark cloak.

First of all, looking back at the inaugural George Barris-designed Batmobile - then viewing its successive replacements, sparked an interesting observation. The original car, based on the 1955 Lincoln Futura Concept, is arguably still the best looking version to date. It doesn't suffer the over-the-top tackiness that plagues its newer iterations.

Thus, this design proposal goes back to those original 1960's routes. Based on Corvette's Stingray Concept and wearing Cadillac's Art & Science surfacing language; it embodies a classier, more integrated approach.

Firstly, the front is dominated by an large mesh grille, flanked by a 'red-fanged' border. Red wheel highlights and LED lighting also pay tribute to the original without being too overpowering. Above this is a crisp, multi-contoured hood, encompassing aggressive frontal air intakes - or a Bat's nostrils, if you will.

The elongated hood gracefully sweeps backwards, emphasizing a powerful and thrusting stance. Planted rearwards is a glasshouse that wraps around the windscreen pillars - in a fashion not too dissimilar to that of the Nissan GT-R. However the most intriguing part of the cabin architecture is the 'floating' rear-section that sweeps back over the doors and roof - centrally dipping down over the windscreen, whilst exuding a subtle nod to Batman's mask.

Following past Batmobile tradition, the rear haunches flare up and out, although here the effect is somewhat toned down. While not depicted in this illustration, a rear-mounted turbine sits pride of place - so villains be warned, this is certainly no Prius!

As for those crime-fighting gadgets and vehicle assists; this proposal takes on more of an stealth persona rather than the blunt-force-trauma that was 'Tumbler' from the more recent 'The Dark Night Rises'  film.

From invisible armor shielding and military-grade electromagnetic pulse 'EMP' systems, to the more conventional hidden rocket launchers, immobilization nets and retractable wheel spikes - this chariot is far from timid. So don't expect any cup-holders, mood lighting or heated seats.

Ultimately, this study follows a more serious, understated approach - some may like it whilst others disapprove. I'm sure many of you will have different ideas for vehicle weaponry and design - so is this the right direction for Gotham's crime-fighting vehicle to follow?

Let us know your feedback and suggestions in the comments below.

By Josh Byrnes

Now, truth to be said, the Zafira driver may have been partially at fault here if he saw that he couldn't make it through due to traffic, while in the first video towards the end (at the 44 second mark), it does look like he flipped the impatient BMW driver.

Still, that doesn't excuse the 5-Series motorist's actions to get out of his car and open the passenger door of the Zafira.

What happens next is something we'll leave you to find out by watching the second video below the break.

Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele said she's happy to help fix the problem of identification cards lacking sufficient space for long names. Driver's licenses and ID cards in Hawaii previously had room for names of up to 35 characters. However, her name has 35 letters plus an okina, which is a mark used in the Hawaiian alphabet.

The new policy allows 40 characters for last names, 40 for first names and 35 for middle names.

By Dan Mihalascu

Having only been sold in its native Korean market until now, it arrived on North American soil with very few modifications, and Consumer Reports had a go to see what it's like.

They found it to be a soft barge that leans in corners and lacks steering feel, with an interior that is austere and lacking in originality, yet well-built and comfy. It is conceded that the optional V8 engine with 420 hp does move it in a straight line fairly quickly, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox; no all-wheel drive is offered, though.

Overall, the review doesn't end on a negative tone, but it doesn't make a compelling case for choosing the K900 over any of its rivals either.

Scroll down and check it out in full.

By Andrei Nedelea

The Japanese automaker didn't say anything else about the 2015 WRX STI, but a recently leaked dealer spec sheet mentioned that, while the WRX gained a new 268hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired to either a 6sp manual or a CV, the flagship performance model will continue with a 2.5-liter flat-four turbocharged unit.

In the same paper, Subaru said it offer the WRX in a special Launch Edition exclusively available in the sub-brand's traditional WR Blue paint.

Called "Porsche 911's Alter Ego", the video features seven-time Pikes Peak champion Jeff Zwart talking about the other side of the 911's personality – rallying and off-roading.

The video includes footage from Zwart's Pikes Peak runs in a 911, as well as him driving the Porsche Museum's Paris-Dakar winning Type 953, which is the all-wheel-drive 911 precursor to the 959 supercar.

So why is Porsche showing this now? They could be simply reminiscing about the Porsche 911's off-road adventures, but knowing that the Germans don't usually do random things, the video may be a part of the build-up to the rumored 911 Safari concept.

We'll see if that's the case in April, when the Beijing Auto Show opens its gates.

By Dan Mihalascu

At the virtual end of the spectrum, the magazine employed the services of in-house editor, and wearer of big sideburns, Henry Catchpole to try and get to grips with the polygon-based R8.

The track chosen for the compare was Silverstone, as it was a track familiar to both.

In the end, the conclusion was that while the game is realistic (to a degree, of course), in the case of the R8, it simply cannot simulate its intricacies of its behavior to the extent of it mimicking the real car. For instance, on the day of filming, the track was damp and Tiff's run was blunted by excessive understeer around some corners – if the track had been dry, the car would have simply remained planted around all corners and maybe pushed its back out when on the throttle too quickly; that's the only behavior it knows how to exhibit in-game.

Check out the full video below for the complete picture!

By Andrei Nedelea

"We started at the wrong end. The whole automotive industry made the intellectual mistake of thinking EVs were all about maximum range, so we all started with small vehicles that are basically very economical anyway," said Lutz when asked if the Chevrolet Volt should have been a truck rather than a sedan.

"Yes, you do save fuel. You can use a smaller battery, but it makes less sense to take a 40 mpg vehicle and make it electric than it does to take a full-size pickup or SUV, which in town realistically gets 11 to 12 mpg. If you take that to 100 mpg, now you're really saving money and saving a scarce natural resource and reducing CO2 emissions drastically," he explained.

Lutz added that the electrification of full-size pickup trucks and SUVs will also help keep these "endangered species" within the strict limits of fuel-economy regulations.

"Bigger trucks are the only electrified vehicles that I know of that make instant economic sense because the fuel saving is so large that you will more than get back your monthly lease price," Lutz says. He added that electric trucks would also have the advantage of exportable power, acting as an emergency power generator in case there's a power outage.

While Lutz's opinions may have something to do with his role as chairman of VIA Motors, an Utah-based company that converts GM trucks, cargo vans and passenger vans into extended-range electric vehicles, one has to admit he does have a point.

By Dan Mihalascu

According to the 15-page report released on Friday, the Porsche Carrera GT driven by Rodas with Walker sitting on the passenger side was traveling at "approximately 100+ mph [160+ km/h]" just before the crash.

"For unknown reasons, the driver lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle partially spun around, and began to travel in a southeast direction," the coroner's report said, according to CNN and other news stations that obtained a copy of it.

"The vehicle then struck a sidewalk and the driver's side of the vehicle struck a tree and then a light post. The force of those collisions caused the vehicle to spin 180 degrees, and it continued to travel in an easterly direction. The passenger side of the vehicle then struck a tree and the vehicle burst into flames," the coroner's office wrote.

The autopsy said that neither Rodas nor Walker seemed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, adding that Rodas "rapidly died of severe blunt head, neck and chest trauma," and that Walker's life ended before the smoke and fire engulfed the vehicle.

The Ford Group said 2013 was its best sales year since 2006, with the Detroit carmaker reporting 2,493,918 deliveries, up 11 percent compared to 2012. Ford remained the best-selling brand in the U.S. for the fourth consecutive year, with sales of 2,412,224 vehicles (+14 percent).

Chrysler sales rose 9 percent to 1.8 million vehicles, while GM saw an increase of 7 percent to 2.8 million units. Toyota reported provisional 2013 sales of 2,235,042 vehicles, accounting for an increase of 7.4 percent compared to 2012, while Nissan said it sold 1,248,420 vehicles in the U.S. in 2013 (up 9.4 percent).

Hyundai sold 720,783 units in 2013, up 2.5 percent, while VW reported sales of 407,704 units, down 6.9 percent. VW's data only includes its namesake brand, with Audi separately reporting 158,061 sales, up 13.5 percent.

Mercedes-Benz said 2013 was its best year ever, with 312,534 sales, representing a 14 percent increase from the 274,134 vehicles sold in 2012. Jaguar Land Rover sales rose 20 percent to 66,962 units in 2013.

Other automakers, including BMW, Honda and Kia, hadn't released 2013 sales figures at the time we wrote this report. According to Bloomberg analysts, deliveries are expected to rise 4.1 percent for Honda.

The U.S. market is expected to end 2013 with an annualized light-vehicle sales rate adjusted for seasonal trends of 15.8 million, up from 15.2 million a year earlier.

By Dan Mihalascu

The custom-made model pairs the body of the fifth and last generation Chevrolet El Camino passenger pickup-truck (produced from 1978 to 1987) with a front grille from a Cadillac Escalade SUV grafted into a new bumper, 1963 Cadillac rear tail fins and lights and a cabin "customized to resemble a Cadillac interior with wood panel accents", according to the seller.

Power comes from a small-block 5.0-liter V8 driving the 15-inch IROC-Z rims on the rear axle.

If this odd mix-n-match tickles your fancy, you'll have to go higher than the $7,200 bid we saw on eBay as it didn't meet the seller's reserve.

The latest addition to Lotus Motorsport's stable, the Elise S Cup R, builds on the road-going Elise S' capabilities, transforming into a track-only race car. The car is powered by a mid-mounted, supercharged 1.8-liter Toyota engine producing 217 hp (220PS) and 250 Nm (181 lb-ft) of torque. The engine control module (ECM) has motorsport-specific mapping

The Lotus Elise S Cup R sports a bespoke livery and a CFD proven aerodynamic body kit including revised front splitter, barge boards, winglets, rear diffuser, floor extensions and rear wing.

The manipulation of air-flow creates extra downforce and together with the adjustable dampers and springs contribute to quicker lap times – the Elise S Cup R is around 4 seconds faster than the standard Elise S over a 2.2-mile lap.

"With so many new markets becoming interested in motorsport, the Elise S Cup R gives us the perfect entry level track-car," said Rupert Manwaring, head of Lotus Motorsport. "Whether the focus is racing or simply developing your driving skills on a race circuit and having fun, the incredible handling and ease of use with low running costs make the Elise S Cup R an intelligent choice."

The car is eligible for entry to the production class in the 2014 Lotus Cup series which include Lotus Cup UK, Lotus Cup Europe, Lotus Cup Italia, Lotus Cup USA, Lotus Cup Japan, Lotus Cup Thailand, Lotus Cup China and Lotus Ladies Cup.

By Dan Mihalascu

Perhaps that's why automakers interested in separating themselves from the pack give young inspirational minds a chance to shine through contests, like the one from Porsche and Spotlight Cinema Networks.

The two companies launched a competition where participants illustrated "Thrilling Contradictions" through the art of film, with the winner being Ross Cohen and his "Fire and Ice" spot for the Porsche Panamera, which you can watch right after the break.

According to court documents seen by Reuters, Fisker creditors asked the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Delaware, to scrap the agreed sale to a company affiliated with Richard Li and instead hold an open auction at which Wanxiang America Corp plans to bid.

The auto parts supplier has agreed to make an initial bid of $24.725 million (€18.1 million) and to assume some liabilities of Fisker. A hearing has been scheduled for Friday in Wilmington to see whether Fisker should proceed with the sale to the Li affiliate or go with the creditors' proposal.

Wanxiang outbid Johnson Controls last year in a bankruptcy auction for most of the assets of A123 Systems Inc, the maker of batteries for Fisker's cars. Both Fisker and A123 obtained green technology loans from the U.S. Department of Energy. Some critics of the government's loan program tried to block the sale of A123 to Wanxiang on the basis that sensitive technology was being transferred to an economic rival.

However, regarding the sale of Fisker's assets to Wanxiang, analyst don't expect similar problems since the assets are mainly related to automotive design. If it buys Fisker, Wanxiang plans to restart production as soon as April and eventually transfer manufacturing from Finland to Michigan, according to the company's presentation to creditors.

The auto parts supplier estimates sales of more than 1,000 Karma hybrids in the first 18 months in the United States and 500 in Europe. Wanxiang says it could lower production costs, but did not reveal a price tag. Fisker sold the Karma plug-in hybrid for more than $100,000. 

By Dan Mihalascu

Add to the mix the location known as Bolivia's Death Road, the date Friday the 13th, and the inherit risk of a miscalculation, and you have the perfect storm brewing.

All those ingredients were present during a BASE jump performed by a member of the 'Viteza si Adrenalina' team, who described the act as a "fairly stupid idea gone mildly wrong", adding the following quote:

"Unfortunately the jump didn't go quite as well as planned as you will see in the video, however I am pleased to report that owing to all the advance rescue and medical support preparations GravityBolivia were able to extract the "crasher" quickly and he suffered only minor injuries, specifically as he puts it: "a broken arse, fractures in his forearm, and cut tendons in his knee".

Video can be found below the…jump.

It did lack variety of vehicles and maps, and even if the sequel, OMSI 2, doesn't come in to fix that with a lot more content, it is an improvement of the original formula so therefore worthwhile (if you already know and like the first one).

The main feature added by this second game is realistic bus articulation, and the introduction of an articulated single-decker one for the very first time. It's a variation of the double-decker designs seen before, and it poses a new challenge to drive, requiring extra skill to thread through the often narrow streets found in the game (most of the cities reproduced by the modding community are European).

Aside from the new physics capabilities of the game engine, graphics have also been updated, as has the original Berlin-based map, which gets new routes. Keep in mind that this is still not a pretty game like some commercial titles, but the bus models are very detailed and the choice of maps and scenarios is practically infinite. You can customize all parameters, including weather, to your heart's desire.

Check out the selection of videos after the virtual jump.

By Andrei Nedelea

Beginning with the all-new 2015 Genesis that has already been announced in South Korea and which will make its world premiere at the Detroit auto show this month, Hyundai will offer owners the ability to remotely access features and information through wearable devices like Google Glass using its cloud-based Blue Link platform and a special app.

Once owners download the Blue Link Glassware app and wear the device, vehicle information will be presented as cards through the interface allowing access to Blue Link features and Car Care services – but only when the car is stationary.

"Push notifications will alert the owner when maintenance is due and allow quick service scheduling by enabling the wearer to initiate a call using the device's built-in functionality," said Hyundai in a statement.

"The application will also allow owners to access popular Blue Link features like remote start, remote door lock/unlock, vehicle finder, POI send-to-car powered by Google quickly using the device's compact interface," the company said.

Hyundai isn't the only carmaker to be offering services for wearable devices like Google Glass, as Mercedes has also announced similar plans.

To get an idea of how much cars cost in Hong Kong, a quick look at BMW's local site reveals that a 328i sedan starts at HK$567,000 (US$73,100 or €53,700), while a Porsche 911 Turbo S will set you back HK$ 3,711,000 (US$478,500 or €351,500).

In the U.S., excluding state tax, the same models have an MSRP of $37,300 for the BMW 328i and $181,100 for the Porsche 911 Turbo S respectively.

In the following video that was forwarded from Carscoops reader Edward of the YouTube channel HKVanquishWott, we have a compilation of more than 300 sport- and super-cars, ranging from 10 different brand new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4s to a rare Spyker C8, all filmed in December of 2013 alone. Check it out below.

Thanks to Edward for the video tip!

In fact, although we're many months away from the 2015 Mustang's launch date that's scheduled for late this year, a number of tuners have already churned out their proposals without even having a physical car in their hands.

Forgiato Wheels and Kris Horton (KH) of CarsbyKris are one of them, releasing a pair of renderings showing Ford's modernized pony car with a wide body kit boasting bloated front and rear fenders, a new front bumper with a protruding lip spoiler, a duck-tail boot, side skirts and, of course, a new set of rims.

For reference, that's more than double the price of the 426HP 6.2-liter V8 Camaro 1SS ($34,050), and a $17,650 premium over the Camaro ZL1 that comes with a 580HP 6.2-liter supercharged V8.

The Z/28 is a more specialized and performance focused model than the ZL1 offering better aerodynamics, less weight and greater grip (up to 1.08 g in cornering acceleration), while power is provided by a naturally-aspirated 7.0-liter V8 LS7 rated at an SAE-certified 505HP (376 kW) and 481 lb-ft of torque (652 Nm).

The only transmission offered is a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission channeling power to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential featuring a helical gear set.

In October, GM announced that the new Camaro Z/28 went around the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:37.47, or four-seconds faster than the ZL1 while also beating published times for the Porsche 911 Carrera S, Lexus LFA and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

Other notable features include 19-inch forged aluminum wheels with massive 305/30ZR19 PZero Trofeo R tires, Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix rotors and fixed, monoblock calipers, a flat-bottom steering wheel and Recaro bucket seats with microfiber inserts.

"The Camaro Z/28 is an uncompromising performer that's bred for the track – and every one of its unique components supports the goal of faster lap times," commented Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America.

You'll be able to place your order in for the new Z/28 in late January for delivery in the spring, while bragging rights to the first Camaro Z/28 with VIN 0001, will be auctioned at Barrett Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 18.

At first announced as a possible no-show in American dealerships, we later found out that it was actually going to make it, and now it's officially available for order, starting from $35,300 plus an additional $925 destination charge.

For the cash you get a front-driven model that sources its power from a new two-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 240 hp and 258 lb-ft. This enables the Swedish estate to crack sixty in a hot hatch-rivaling 6.1 seconds. That acceleration figure is even better than the one posted by the traditional five-pot (T5) engine with 250 hp and all-wheel drive – it does it in 6.6 seconds and costs $36,800.

The top model is the R-Design that delivers 325 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, an exterior body kit and most of the available options thrown in for $44,300. The benchmark sprint is eased past in 5.4 seconds thanks to its (T6) turbocharged straight-four engine and a system called Advanced Quick Shift that the manufacturer says relies on "transmission optimization software that improves the speed of each gear change."

The latter is the most powerful wagon Volvo has ever made.

By Andrei Nedelea

Just in case you were filled with curiosity to know the whereabouts of this humorous scene, the drunken pedestrian was purportedly walking in the middle of a road in Bishkek, which is the capital city of Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia.

You can watch the short video for yourself right past the virtual break.

Depending on the trim grade, Peugeot's VW Golf and Ford Focus competitor can be had with eight engine choices in the UK, including the 1.2-liter VTI 82PS, 1.2-liter e-THP 110PS, 1.2-liter e-THP 130PS, 1.6-liter THP 125PS, 1.6-liter HDi 92PS, 1.6-liter e-HDi 115PS, 1.6-liter BlueHDi 120PS and 2.0-liter BlueHDi 150PS.

Other highlights include the new Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) that has allowed the 308 to be up to 140kg (308 pounds) lighter over the predecessor model, a 420-litre boot space with the rear seats upright, and a multitude of comfort and tech features such as an available touch-screen infotainment system with a large 9.7-inch screen size.

"The New 308 is a significant leap forward for Peugeot," commented Tim Zimmerman, Managing Director of Peugeot UK. "It's high on style and quality and provides a truly rewarding driving experience, all at a value-for-money price. We're confident it will be a big hit with UK customers."

This is where the latest Jay Leno video comes in, as the comedian invited legendary auto executive Lee Iacocca and author Bob Fria to talk about the Mustang.

In the presence of the Mustang 1 concept and the very first pre-production Mustang with serial number 1, Iacocca and Fria recall how the pony car came to life, with The Henry Ford's museum curator Matt Anderson also telling the story of the Mustang 1 concept. Despite the name, the study doesn't have much in common with the production car, as you're about to find out from the video.

The second part of the 25-minute video has Leno talking with Mustang chief engineer Dave Pericak about the new features of the 2015 Mustang in the presence of a 2015 Mustang GT hand-built prototype.

By Dan Mihalascu

In Germany, the new GS 300h Business Edition starts at €49,400 (equal to about $63,400) with Lexus offering a lease program from €483 (~$660) per month including service and wear parts.

Based on the entry-level model, the Business Edition comes equipped with a hard-drive navigation system with a 12.3-inch Monitor and Lexus Connected Services, a premium audio system, DVD player and rear view camera with a monitor, among other features.

The new GS 300h sports a 178hp (181PS) 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors pushing out a total of 220hp (223PS), returning a combined fuel consumption of 4.7 l/100 km (50 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 109 g /km.