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Robocar 2057: 8 visions of the future

Car designers show off their ideas for the ultimate robot-controlled cars of the future in the Los Angeles Auto Show's 'Design Challenge' contest.

By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com staff writer

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4 of 8

Mercedes-Benz Silverflow

Mercedes-Benz's designers took a different approach to the maximally customizable exterior. Like Audi, Mercedes shows its vehicle in a body mimicking one of the company's pre-war racecars. (Those streamlined racers were often called the Silver Arrows.)

The Silverflow would be made of microscopic metallic particles that could be arranged in any shape using preselected computer models.

Any shape of car could be "built" at the touch of a handy key fob. Body damage could, of course, be instantly self-repaired. Parking would be no problem because the car could be instantly "melted" for easy storage in any handy container.

Extreme 'green' cars of the future

An algae-filled Hummer won last year's 'ultimate green car' challenge. (more)

Six safe fuel savers

These days, you no longer have to choose between saving gas money and getting the ultimate in car safety. Here's a look at some cars that give you both. (more)

In-car jukebox for the 21st century

The six-disc CD changer is already looking like an antique as cars are coming equipped with better ways to carry your record collection on board. (more)

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