MINI 'buggy' heads wild LA stars

They call it La La Land - and judging by these concept cars, the famous Californian city is certainly living up to its name!

Auto Express Car Reviews

06th November 2006

Set to star at the Los Angeles Motor Show later this month, the amazing machines are certain to attract big crowds. But although they look like flights of fancy, they have a serious side, too.

Each model has been penned by some of the world's leading design students to offer an environmentally friendly solution for the future - and some of the ideas could well make it on to production cars. Perhaps the most eye-catching is MINI's BioMoke. Resembling a beach buggy, it features huge wheels on an extended track, and has an interior with no windscreen. Incredibly, the BioMoke's body is biodegradable and is reduced to compost as it reaches the end of its five-year lifecycle!

Another beach-inspired car is the Kia Sandstorm. It comes complete with storage for a barbecue, as well as detachable recycling bins and a solar-powered fridge. Its body panels are recyclable, while under the skin, the Sandstorm features a biodiesel electric hybrid engine.

Meanwhile, Honda's Extreme is firmly road-based. With compact dimensions, a two-seater cockpit and sporty looks, it's a futuristic take on the S2000 roadster.

The Hummer O2 is unlike the US company's thirsty production cars - as this concept gives something back to the environment. It boasts a phototropic, algae-filled bodyshell that takes in harmful CO2 and 'breathes' out oxygen!