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Archive for the ‘Concept Cars’ Category

Audi prepares successor for A2?

March 9th, 2010

Shteph

Seeing the Audi A1 and A1 e-tron concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show provides proof that the quad-ring automaker is putting a much larger focus on its small car offerings. With that in mind, new rumors are cropping up about a possible successor to the A2 – the quirky little hatch that never went to the U.S. and only had minor success in Europe.

“There’s clearly room for another product and another concept between the A3 and A1,” Audi CEO Rupert Stadler told AutoWeek during the Geneva Motor Show. The new A2 would likely be A1-based and use an electric powertrain, possibly sourced from the A1 e-tron concept. European media has reported that the A2 successor is expected to debut by 2014, and no word has been given about a possible U.S.-spec version. However, with Audi keeping the A1 away from American soil, it’s likely that the A2 would be a Europe-only affair, as well.

Posted in Audi, Concept Cars

Tags: A2 successor, Audi A1 e-tron, Geneva report

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Futuristic Hyundai i-flow

March 8th, 2010

Shteph

The Hyundai i-flow is one of the significant concept cars at Geneva, not just because it looks dramatic, but because under that heavily sculpted skin is a range of latest tech that could appear in Hyundai’s next generation of cars. Powering the i-flow is the company’s first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain consisting of a U2 1.7-litre oil burner with two-stage turbocharging and Hyundai’s lithium ion-polymer battery. Coupled to a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission, the drivetrain is capable of 33.3 km/l and a low CO2 output of 85g/km.

The i-flow is also a test bed for new energy harvesting ideas, ranging from a flexible solar panel roofing to a thermo-electric generator developed in partnership with leading chemical company BASF. One such idea is thermal engine encapsulation, which ensures that the engine reaches optimum operating temperature more quickly by retaining heat when the car is idle. Hyundai says that this translates into fuel savings and emissions cuts of 5% during summer and up to 9% in winter. The thermo-electric generator meanwhile recaptures energy from hot exhaust gases and converts it to electrical energy to help power auxiliary systems.

Designed at Hyundai’s European studio in Russelsheim, the i-flow sports the firm’s “fluidic sculpture” design language. With an overall length of 4,780 mm and a 2,800 mm wheelbase, the i-flow is a Honda Accord sized D-segment contender that is set to hit the market in 2011. It remains to be seen how much of the i-flow’s styling is retained for production, but things look promising with the recent Korean realisation that advanced design is as important as making competent cars. (more…)

Posted in Auto Shows, Concept Cars, Hyundai

Tags: futuristic concept cars, Geneva report, Hyundai i-flor concept

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Alfa Romeo Pandion by Bertone is simply heavenly!

March 6th, 2010

Shteph

After a two year absence from the international scene, Bertone returns with a bang by unveiling one of the most memorable cars of this year’s Geneva show – the Pandion concept, as a tribute to Alfa Romeo’s 100-year anniversary and also a proposal for the future look of the brand.

The first car penned by Mike Robinson in his new role as Design and Brand Director at Bertone, the Pandion is named after the Pandion Haliaetus, a scientific name for the Osprey sea hawk. And it’s this bird’s wings that inspired the Pandion’s most striking feature – those spectacular doors that open upwards to the air. They incorporate the car’s front and rear fenders and stand exactly 90 degrees straight from the centre of the rear wheels. In the event of a rollover, the doors are designed to fall off for easy exit, says Bertone. (more…)

Posted in Alfa Romeo, Auto Shows, Concept Cars, Special, Super cars

Tags: Alfa Romeo concept car, Alfa Romeo Pandion, Betone

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French carmaker + tailor + men magazine = gorgeous concept

March 6th, 2010

Shteph

What happens when a French carmaker teams up with a top men’s magazine and a prestigious tailor house? Well…gorgeous concept cars are born! GQbyCITROËN took the French sexyness, appealingness of GQ men and Savile Row tailors style. And judging by the GQbyCITROËN concept, the fashionable fellas know a few things about svelte car design, as well. The GQbyCITROËN concept is a collaboration between Dylan Jones, GQ’s editor, and Mark Lloyd, a British designer who is most recently credited for the new Citroën DS3. Makes sense, then, that GQ and Citroën are branding this concept as “the ultimate gentleman’s drive.”

The GQbyCITROËN rides on the values of the classic GT theme, and designer Lloyd thought a proper grand tourer was much more suited to the GQ style, saying: (more…)

Posted in Citroen, Concept Cars, Special, Super cars

Tags: Citroen concept cars, QC

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Seat IBe: gorgeous but far away

March 5th, 2010

Shteph

The Seat IBe revealed at Geneva can be seen as VW’s Spanish subsidiary’s rival to the Scirocco. Although its 3.78 m length is 250 mm shorter than an Ibiza, the IBe measures 1.8 m wide and is only 1.22 m in height. The showcar’s 19-inch wheels also look good with almost zero overhangs beside them.

Unveiled here by managing director James Muir (right) and chief designer Luc Donckerwolke, the IBe is a zero-emissions electric vehicle powered by lithium-ion batteries. With a max output of 102 bhp and 200 Nm of torque, the IBe completes the century sprint in an unexceptional 9.4 seconds, although the 0-50 km/h time of 3.4 seconds suggest good point and squirt acceleration. Top speed is limited to 160 km/h.

An electric powered SEAT should be quite far away, since the brand only plans to launch its Leon Twin Drive plug-in hybrid in 2014. For now, SEAT has a popular range of diesel powered Ecomotive cars, the best of which (Ibiza Ecomotive) achieves 27 km/l and 98 g/km of CO2.

Posted in Auto Shows, Concept Cars, Seat

Tags: Geneva report, Seat IBe concept

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I.DE.A Institut Sofia puts the woman in the car

March 4th, 2010

Shteph

It seems that women are part of your (misoginist) life, whether you like it or not, and now, they’re even messing up with your most astonishigly-looking cars: they inspire the carmakers with their curves and humps. Not that they haven’t been doing it for the last century…

Created by the quizzically-abbreviated I.DE.A. Institute, the Sofia’s hourglass shape is inspired by the female form. And we don’t have much trouble believing that line, curvaceous as it is. The hybrid part, though, is pure fantasy. Because like many design studies, the I.DE.A. Sofia is an empty body shell. It’s got no interior, but more to the point, it has no mechanicals inside. Its creators say it could theoretically accommodate a V8 engine, with or without the assistance of an electric motor, driving either the front wheels or the rear.

Like it? Don’t get too excited by the prospect of production. The I.DE.A Institute claims to have contributed to designs for numerous major automakers, but in its 30-year history has produced more household appliances and furniture. But for the next upstart looking to join the likes of Fisker and Tesla, the sumptuous shape could be just the ticket.

Posted in Concept Cars, Super cars

Tags: Concept Cars, I.DE.A Institut Sofia concept

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2012 Buick Regal GS with no AWD system

February 26th, 2010

Shteph

As you may know already GM is working hard on the 2012 Buick Regal GS, which will be based on the Regal GS Concept, unveiled back in January at the Detroit Auto Show but also on the all-wheel drive Opel Insignia OPC.

But, apparently, the upcoming car will be offered without the all-wheel drive system. This was confirmed by Bob Lutz, GM’s Vice Chairman who said that the produc planners are debating whether all-wheel drive is worth the added weight and cost. Regarding the engine, we will see the same 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged engine with direct-injection technology found on the Regal GS Concept and capable to deliver 255 horsepower (190 kW) as well as 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

Posted in Buick, Concept Cars, General Motors

Tags: AWD system, Buick regal GS, Concept Cars

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Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid sounds very promissing

February 25th, 2010

Shteph

The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Concept Car is a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid car in keeping with Hethel’s performance credentials: it’ll hit 60mph in ‘less than 4sec’. The range of the Evora hybrid testbed is said to be more than 300 miles. This concept develops 414ps, so this is where the name comes from. Though it is a hybrid, it runs only on electric power. The ‘hybrid’ refers to the range-extending 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, used only to top up the battery in the same way as the Chevy Volt.

Apart from the very promissing performance figures, there are features that make the Evora really interesting: there’s a gadget to give the electric Evora the feel of a seven-speed transmission, and something called HALOsonic sound synthesis so you can make yourself heard when running on EV silent mode. The latter was developed in conjunction with Harman. (more…)

Posted in Auto Shows, Concept Cars, Hybrid, Lotus

Tags: Electric Cars, Evora, Hybrid, Lotus

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Upcoming electric Infiniti?

February 24th, 2010

Shteph

Nissan’s president confirmed that an all-electric model was in work for luxury brand Infiniti, but nothing more has been said since. Additionally, Infiniti head Saito gave some clues of what to expect from an EV Infiniti.

According to Saito, Infiniti’s first electric vehicle offering will take the form of a small car, likely on par with the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series. Infiniti sees the compact luxury segment growing rapidly in the coming years, surpassing the current entry-level luxury segment, which includes cars like the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and even Infiniti’s own G. (more…)

Posted in Concept Cars, Electric Cars, Infinity

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2011 Kia Optima

February 22nd, 2010

Shteph

New Kia Optima – or Magentis – will make its debut at New York Auto Show on April 2nd.

Based on the design sketch, we can see that Kia has ditched the distinctly three-box, uninspiring looks of the current car for a sleeker and sexier design. Of course, the actual car will be toned down from this, but we expect a looker based on Kia’s recent track record. The Korean brand promises “bold, athletic and sporty visual energy” for its D-segment challenger.

Little else is known for now, but Kia has revealed that the new Optima is longer, lower and wider than the car it replaces, and features a “significantly longer wheelbase”. Hopefully, they will keep the good looks and we won’t have a shock when the official unveiling will take place. ‘Cuase this is usually what happens: teaser photos look …teasing, but the actual car lacks a lot of the teasing parts.

Posted in Auto Shows, Concept Cars, Kia

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Mercedes-Benz F800 for Geneva

February 20th, 2010

Shteph

Yet another carmaker has revealed pictures of its concept car that will be revealed at Geneva Auto Show: Mercedez-Benz F800. The new car previews the next-generation CLS and shows a completely new design line for the German brand. As a premiere, the car comes with a new concept for the rear doors which are sliders, not swingers, exactly like those features on the minivans.

Other features are the incorporation of two different electric drivetrains: one version of the F800 Style is a a plug-in hybrid with a V6 petrol engine mated to a 100 hp electric motor (Mercedes-Benz says that the car can run 18 miles in full-electric mode). The other version of the F800 Style is a pure electric vehicle powered by an on-board fuel cell.

Posted in Auto Shows, Concept Cars, Electric Cars, Hybrid, Mercedes

Tags: Concept Cars, F800, Mercedes-Benz

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Concept car: Tesla EYE

February 18th, 2010

Shteph

Yet another EV concept car to make its debut at Geneva: Tesla EYE. It was commissioned by EV carmaker Tesla to a group of IED Turin (L ‘Istituto Europeo di Design of Turin) design students. The project brief was this – a 2+2 sports car that can be used everyday with an affordable price that targets young, cosmopolitan customers.

A total of 11 lucky students of the Masters of Arts in Transportation Design programme at the IED coordinated by Pininfarina senior designer Luca Borgogno and FIAT senior designer Andrea Militello worked on the project, and were supervised by Tesla Motors chief designer Franz von Holzhausen. Pirelli and OZ Racing also helped out wherever needed.

Posted in Auto Shows, Concept Cars, Electric Cars, Special, Tesla

Tags: Concept Cars, Electric Cars, Tesla EYE

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Opel Flextreme GT/E

February 18th, 2010

Shteph

The idea behind this concept, which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show, is to show how the Volt’s extended-range electric vehicle drivetrain can be used in a larger vehicle, in this case a mid-size five-door hatchback. So far, every vehicle shown by General Motors with an ER-EV drivetrain, including the Volt, Ampera and Cadillac Converj concept, has been compact in size. (more…)

Posted in Concept Cars, Hybrid, Opel

Tags: Flextreme, Opel

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Peugeot concept car for Geneva, simply called “5″

February 16th, 2010

Shteph

Peugeot’s “5″ previews the upcoming 508 sedan and by the looks of it, it’s gona be a bit hit! It seems that Peugeot finally got on the right path. This wise combination of smooth edges and flowing lines AWD baby is motivated by Hybrid 4 powertrain which means it has a 163hp 2.0 liter DHi FAP diesel engine and a 37hp electric motor.

The former is mounted on the front axle while the latter sits at the back. The powertrain is able to output 200hp collectively and its fuel consumption is figured at 74.3 miles to the gallon. The system also releases 99 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer.

I like the exterior, I simply love the rims, but there’s one thing that caught my attention. At first I thought it was a reflected beam of light or a Photoshop mistake, but it isn’t. Flower-shaped head lights?! Soooo girlish and so not fitted!

Posted in Concept Cars, Peugeot

Tags: 5 by peugeot concept car

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Volvo: “Stick your PC in out headrests!”

February 15th, 2010

Shteph

I know I’m not the only one to wonder what smashers could the carmakers put on their concept cars to impress. And I’m not talking about extra-terrestial bodies or almost-zero emissions on a 5.0 guzzler Mustang. It’s about all the pretty stuff, latest technology, sat-nav, many GBs of music, wireless or self-parking “goodies” that make a car have a personality.

Latest egregious piece of folly comes from Volvo. The recent Chinese ID owner revealed “the industry’s first Internet connected Rear Seat Entertainment System with Windows XP, WiFi and a 500G hard drive.”

Officially, it remains a test-bed study for the moment, but the idea is that you can do everything on a rear headrest touchscreen that you can do on your home computer. You can also plug your computer into the car and load the XC70’s system with your own music and video to keep things quiet in the back row. While it’s officially only in the ‘conceptual phase,’ we have it on very good authority that the system will be available in 2011 Volvo XC60 and XC70 models beginning this summer.

What’s next? We will be able to cook dinner on the way home from work, do some gym, have our nails and hair done and clean the house on the push of a button. Oooh, it sounds indecently teasing!

Press release after the jump!

(more…)

Posted in Concept Cars, Special, Volvo

Tags: Volvo gadgets, Volvo XC 70

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