Smart has unveiled a new lightweight concept electric vehicle, set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month.

The Smart Forvision, developed in conjunction with BASF, is designed to showcase the materials that could be used to make electric cars more efficient in the future.

One of the most striking features is a roof formed of transparent solar cells, which allows the car to generate enough energy from daylight to power the multimedia components and climate control fans inside the vehicle.

Alfa Romeo has previewed an updated 4C Concept which the Italian brand will be taking to Frankfurt next month.

The Alfa 4C Concept is a two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupé with a central engine, a length of about 4 meters and a wheelbase of less than 2.4 meters.

The new color is named Fluid Metal with Alfa claiming that it dynamically enhances the smooth and sinuous lines of the car.

Infiniti has released the first picture of a new concept vehicle designed in collaboration with Formula 1 driver Sebastien Vettel.

The brand remains tight-lipped about the rest of the model, which appears to be based on the Infiniti FX Crossover and will be fully unveiled by Vettel himself at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

The picture shows a more raked appearance for the five-door crossover, with a redesigned front grill and bumper and a prominent trailing roof spoiler.

Iconic American luxury auto brand Cadillac has unveiled its new hybrid concept, described as an “expression of Cadillac’s historical grandeur.”

The Ciel concept, which will be on show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, is a four-seat convertible powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, paired with hybrid drive.

Designed to fit in with the touring cars on display at Pebble Beach, the model is “about the romance of the drive,” says Cadillac-owner General Motors, featuring generous room for two couples across two rows.

Infiniti has debuted a new concept aimed squarely at families at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The seven-passenger Infiniti JX crossover is a three-row model set to go on sale in the US in spring 2012, becoming another contender in the country’s fastest-growing luxury vehicle segment.

Infiniti describes the model’s new shape as that of a greenhouse, promising ‘class-leading roominess’ and an innovative access method to the rear row.

Jaguar has released the first image of a new concept car due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

The C-X16 is described as a “production concept” and is likely to hint strongly at the future style of Jaguar vehicles when it is formally unveiled on September 13 at the huge motor show.

It has been designed by the same team that produced the Jaguar XJ, XF and XK, which is headed by the brand’s design chief Ian Callum, and is expected to be smaller than previous models in an attempt to compete with rivals such as Porsche.