LA Auto Show Design Challenge: Hollywood’s Next Movie Car

The path to automotive stardom in Hollywood depends on where a car starts its journey.

More Coverage: LA Auto Show, Beginning Nov. 18

Some cars designed for the real world become stars after a few modifications -- James Bond's Aston Martin DBS, the Mustang from "Bullitt," Danny Zuko's Ford Deluxe, James Bond's Aston Martin Vanquish and the Trans Am from "Smokey and the Bandit."

Others were designed with Hollywood stardom in mind -- Doc Brown's DeLorean, Mad Max's Interceptor, Batman's Batmobile, the cars from "Cars."

This year, the LA Auto Show's Design Challenge casts off convention in pursuit of big-screen fame. Organizers asked six automakers for their takes on what would make a great Hollywood movie car.

Short descriptions of the script were submitted with each entry.

The car will be judged on the following: How the vehicle reflects its brand attributes relative to the movie plot; how the vehicle relates to the targeted audience or brand; the level of imagination; the character development of the vehicle; and the uniqueness of the combination of story, car and character.

Suspend traditional notions of car design for a moment and meet this year's entries in the LA Auto Show Design Challenge (Click gallery, left, to view images):

Honda IH: A giant comet has changed things in the future, basically setting the technology clock back to zero. Two scientists plan to help by creating a vehicle that "serves as a companion and protector in the inhospitable and lonely environment." It's not a talking horse with Secret Service training. It's the Honda IH.

Hyundai Stratus Sprinter/DB Atlant Airship: Born from vampires, Countess Elena (1829-????) has super-human senses and super stealth-capable vehicles. The light-combat ready Stratus Sprinter can go anywhere -- a grocery-getter for an uncertain world. But when the countess feels like staying in for the night, she retires beyond the clouds to her DB Atlant Airship.

Maybach Berline: Cinderella trades her pumpkin carriage for a Maybach, but not just any Maybach, which is not just any luxury car. This one allows Cindy to watch a 3D laser projection suspended from the ceiling and make a grand exit through stylish gullwing doors.

Subaru HORIZON: Here's a reason to remember the good ol' days -- in the future, Earth's rotation has stopped. It gets worse. Earth has split in two, forming a Daysphere and Nightsphere. A team of four, including a magical cat, must retrieve a crucial mineral found only in a place from which no human has returned. Fortunately, they're driving a Subaru.

Smart 341 Parkour: Reporter Annie Angle has a big scoop and the right car for the job. The 341 Parkour can even fold up its wheels, a must amid the clutter of Cantpark City. It also features three different modes -- drive, fly and climb. Your move, BMW M3.

Mercedes Silver Arrow: Sleek and intimidating with the features you'd expect from 125 years of automotive design and safety excellence. Follow the adventures of Hans05 and Franz02, two enlightened crash test dummies who value safety and performance without compromise.