Visually, the R-Design package adds a trim-specific radiator grille with horizontal slats, a discreet lip spoiler on the front bumper, flat silver mirror caps, a roof-mounted spoiler and trapezoidal exhaust pipes integrated into a deep rear bumper. 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped by Pirelli Scorpion tires round out the exterior updates.

Interior pictures are being kept under wraps until the beginning of the Paris show, but Volvo promises the sporty look continues inside thanks to Contour sport seats upholstered in a two-tone combination of Nubuck and perforated leather. Other upgrades include R-specific details on the floor mats, the pedals and the shift knob, while the XC90′s 12.3-inch tablet-like touch screen features a unique R-Design theme.

Volvo says the R-Design package can be ordered on all XC90s regardless of what engine is found under the hood. The package is strictly aesthetic and it doesn’t include any mechanical modifications.

Riding on the same modular EPM2 platform as the 308 hatchback, the Quartz takes the form of a tall crossover that stretches 177 inches long and 81 inches wide. The widespread use of stiff composite materials such as carbon fiber in the crossover’s construction allowed engineers to remove the B-pillar and give it four scissor doors.

The Quartz’s cockpit is similar to that of the Exalt concept that was presented in Beijing last April. It features a small rectangular steering wheel, a heads-up display and a driver-oriented center console with toggle switches inspired by the equipment found in a recording studio. The Quartz offers room for up to four passengers on leather-upholstered bucket seats.

The center console is made out of basalt, an igneous rock that forms when magma cools. Peugeot explains basalt has the same properties regardless of where it forms so it can be easily sourced all over the world.

Power for the Quartz comes from a gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain consisting of a 270-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and two electric motors each rated at 114 horsepower. The motors can power the crossover by themselves for up to 31 miles, or they can work with the turbo four and a limited-slip differential to send a total of 500 horsepower to all four wheels.

Peugeot has not announced what the future holds for the Quartz. Although it looks wildly futuristic, a heavily toned-down version of it could reach production in the coming years as Peugeot tries to move up a notch on the market.

The company already filed an appeal after its retail licenses were blocked from renewal earlier this year, in an alleged backroom deal involving dealer lobbyists and Governor Chris Christie.

Attorneys argue that the state Motor Vehicle Commission was mistaken in its decision, as Tesla does not have any franchisees and is therefore naturally exempt from provisions of the franchise laws. The brief further claims the agency does not have any authority to enforce such regulations.

The legal team has also questioned the constitutionality of certain details outlined in the laws, such as the number of car models, servicing-department requirements and minimum square footage.

“We believe the regulatory action was made in error,” Tesla’s VP of business development, Diarmuid O’Connell, told Automotive News in a statement. “We’ve prepared a legal action to deal with that, and I’m feeling pretty good about that.”

Several legislative proposals detail exemptions that would allow Tesla to resume direct sales. The company has received bipartisan support for its unique business model in New Jersey and other states, suggesting the bills are unlikely to face much opposition, but the court appeal serves as a potential backup plan.

A partial sketch of the vehicle profile on the event notice shows a windshield rake that appears to be less extreme than that of the Huracan or Aventador, but the wheel arch and side air intake both hint at a variant of the latter model.

“Once perfection is achieved, you can just double it,” Lamborghini says.

The cryptic note suggests the company may be preparing to show a four-seater or four-door model. The design appears to be quite different from the four-door Estoque concept that was axed years ago before making its way to production.

Full details will be announced at the company’s media event on October 2.

UK-based safety advocacy group Institute for Advanced Motorists has warned that the Apple Watch could significantly impair driving performance and become a “major cause” for distraction and accidents.

The group claims thousands of injuries and at least 110 fatal accidents in the UK were caused by cellphones between 2006 and 2010, and wearable devices connected to such phones will only increase the impairment.

“Constant alerts will require motorists’ regular attention,” IAM said in a statement. “As opposed to using a legal hands-free piece of equipment the iWatch will require drivers to use two hands to operate the device – impacting speed, lane position and time spent looking at the road.”

The UK is said to have already clarified that the Apple Watch and similar devices will be legally considered equivalent to a cellphone when used by drivers, carrying a penalty of approximately 100 GBP (~$163 USD) and three license points. If the watch is found to have been a contributing factor in a fatal accident, drivers face up to two years in prison.

“Enforcement will be difficult for the police, but powers exist to seize and interrogate devices in the event of a serious crash,” says IAM director Neil Greig. “The very device that distracted you also has the power to convict you.”

US laws regarding distracted driving vary by state, but in most cases the wearable gadgets will likely be considered no different than cellphones.