hybrid Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks is expecting on 2013

Azure Dynamics has signed an agreement with Ford, whereby the Oak Park, MI firm will integrate its plug-in hybrid technology into Ford's F-Series Super Duty trucks.

Working in collaboration with Ford, Azure's plug-in hybrid technology will debut on the F-550 Super Duty chassis cab in early 2013. This agreement also allows for Azure to perform plug-in hybrid powertrain conversions on all available configurations of Ford's F-350 and F-450 trucks. Azure says that roughly two-thirds of its plug-in hybrid system will be applicable for all Super Duty configurations, with approximately one-third needing to be powertrain-specific (i.e. gasoline or diesel).

Additionally, the Azure-Ford agreement includes a so-called "ship-thru" provision that will allow Azure to sell its converted vehicles through qualified Ford Commercial Truck dealerships in North America. In 2009, Azurestruck up a similar deal with Ford for the Transit Connect Electric.

GoPro HD: Budds Creek Lucas Oil AMA Motocross 2011

Harley-Davidson's new and updated models for 2012

We now know exactly what to expect from the Harley-Davidson lineup next year. The bike maker plans to roll out two new models: a 10th Anniversary Edition V-Rod and a new Dyna Switchback. The V-Rod will wear special silver paint designed to pay homage to the aluminum bodywork of the original liquid-cooled Harley, and buyers will get to enjoy unique 10th Anniversary V-Rod bags as well.

Meanwhile, the Dyna Switchback boasts a detachable windshield and a set of removable hard bags to create a versatile ride that can toe the line between an in-town cruiser and a long-haul machine. The Switchback, like all but two of H-D's entire line of Dyna, Softail and Touring models, packs the company's Twin Cam 103 engine with a full 100 pound-feet of torque.

The rest of the Harley-Davidson stable has received a few updates as well, including the company's Night Rod Special. That bike gets a new set of light-weight wheels, a tapered tail section and an inverted front fork along with improved ergonomics.

Pioneer's reality navigation system

Pioneer's AVIC-VH09CS has all the techie trappings you'd expect from an in-dash navigation system: A seven-inch LCD, DVD and CD player, USB and SD card slots, and Bluetooth connectivity. But what sets it apart is the addition of the Augmented Reality (AR) Scouter Mode.

The double-din head-unit wirelessly connects to a camera installed on the windshield, streaming video and layering the sat-nav information over the image. The system integrates with the road, highlighting lanes, identifying stores and creating 3D representations of destinations so you know exactly where you're going. It even allows you to "augment" the vehicle in front of you, so if that minivan is too staid for your tastes, the system will superimpose something sexier (think Ferrari) on top.

The AVIC-VH09CS is due to go on sale later this month. The bad news: It's only available in Japan and comes in at $3,700.

2010 LA Auto Show Design Challenge Winner: Cadillac Aera Concept

The focus at the LA Auto Show is on new production vehicles as well as concepts that hint at an automaker's direction for the very near future. One aspect of the show however, looks further into the distance and pushes designers to create their vision of a supplied theme. The LA Auto Show Design Challenge has entered it's seventh year, and for 2010 the designers had to create a 1,000-pound car that was stylish and performance oriented yet also capable of carrying four passengers. The GM Advanced Design team stepped up to the plate and, with their Cadillac Aera Concept, took the top spot. The podium must have been crowded though because the Smart 454 also claimed a victory as the judges declared the competition a tie.

This marks the third time that the group from General Motors has won this challenge, giving them the most wins out of all automakers that enter. The Cadillac Aera Concept hit on all areas that the judges were looking for and, despite the futuristic styling, still carries some recognizable lines from Cadillacs of today.

LA Auto show Green Car of the Year goes to Chevy Volt

The Chevrolet Volt drove off with the 2011 Green Car of the Year Award at the LA Auto Show this morning, beating out tough competition from the Nissan Leaf and ending a two-year diesel powertrain reign (at the 2008 show, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI was named the winner; last year, the Audi A3 TDI won). The other finalists for this year's award, given out by Green Car Journal, included the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid , Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Ford Fiesta.

2010 LA Auto Show: Porsche finished 60 golden years of in America

At its press conference at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, Porsche unveiled its Cayman R, and showed a video celebrating 60 years of its cars in America.