Ford's new front seat, luxury car event

Seat engineer Mike Kolich shows off the inner structure of Ford's new global seat. (Ford)

New seats for Ford cars around the world
When it goes on sale next spring, the new 2013 Escape will be the first vehicle equipped with Ford's new front seat, designed and engineered in-house for use around the world. It's lighter, thinner and more cost-effective than the 10 designs suppliers provided in the past, Ford says. It's one of two front-seat structures to be used in all Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Ford also is working on a single structure for rear seats with the flexibility to flip and fold as needed. That design will soon replace all existing back seats.

-- The Associated Press

(Bentley)

Event lets high-rollers sample luxury cars
A-plus customers who attend January's North American International Auto Show might score an invitation to The Gallery, a preview of the latest vehicles from ultra-luxury brands like Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Bentley (shown). A couple hundred wealthy car enthusiasts from around the country are expected to travel to Detroit for the event. The $500 ticket gets attendees access to at least 25 vehicles priced from $150,000 up and a strolling dinner with renowned chef and car fan Wolfgang Puck.

-- The Associated Press