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Nissan INVITATION Concept previews new B-segment car

February 8, 2012 at 3:48 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Nissan

This is the Nissan INVITATION Concept which Nissan will be exhibiting at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show as a preview for a future B-segment vehicle, due to be launched from 2013.

Nissan says the production INVITATION hatchback will be sold alongside the Micra city car and the Juke crossover. Many publications are speculating that the production version of the INVITATION will replace the Nissan Note, which is due for replacement as the first generation has been around since 2004.

I can’t help but feel the INVITATION looks more like a Tiida/Latio hatch than a Note, due to a lack of a taller roofline. However, the new B-segment Tiida/Latio has already been unveiled at Shanghai, though curiously it hasn’t gone on sale yet in countries like the US even though the Micra-based sedan counterpart have already been launched in these countries.

The INVITATION is a pretty good looking concept car, and we hope that much of it gets translated into production, instead of how the original Versa concept (which was very good looking) became the Latio hatch on sale in our country now (not as good looking).

Also making its debut with the INVITATION is Nissan’s advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) safety technology – seen for the first time on a B-segment car – which makes reversing and parallel parking as stress-free as possible.

As for the name, Nissan Deputy Division General Manager of Product Strategy and Product Planning Division Francois Bancon said the name INVITATION is self-explanatory, that the car is designed to be inviting thanks to its sensuous exterior design and generous and comfortable interior space, cleverly packaged within compact overall dimensions.

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Tokyo 2011: Live photos of the Suzuki Regina concept

December 1, 2011 at 12:07 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Suzuki

We are reporting live from the Land of the Rising Sun and this is the Suzuki Regina concept which could point to a new global compact car from the Japanese brand. Little has been revealed about the car but we do know that it is powered by an 800cc petrol engine that is also turbocharged.

The small engine is paired to a continuously variable transmission or CVT and there is brake energy regeneration and an engine start/stop function. It weighs only 730 kg and has a drag coefficient at least 10% lower than that of current models in Suzuki’s line-up.

This allows the Regina to deliver a fuel economy reading of 3.76 liters per 100 km which is rather impressive. The concept which measures 3,500 mm long and 1,600 mm wide was produced using a new manufacturing process that helps reduce the number of parts required.

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Tokyo 2011: Toyota shows off the Fun-Vii concept

December 1, 2011 at 11:36 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Toyota

This is one of Toyota’s latest concept cars. Called the Fun-Vii, it is currently being presented at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and according to Toyota, the three-seater Fun-Vii “heralds a not-too-distant future where people, cars and society are linked”.

The interesting thing about this concept is the fact that you can alter the content that is displayed on both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. You can practically change the body colour of the vehicle and display messages on it!

The interior “mood” can be altered and it comes with features such as a navigation system that is displayed via augmented reality. Also in the list is a remote function, which allows most of the concept’s functions to be controlled remotely via a smart phone.

Other features include a network update system to ensure the latest software update is in place, the ability to connect with friends who are nearby and it can also detect other potentially hazardous vehicles such as vehicles in blind spots in advance. No information on the powertrain just yet, but it is likely electric-powered.

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Frankfurt: Production-ready Audi A8 L W12 concept

September 15, 2011 at 12:49 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi, Cars, Concept Cars

Yes, there is no typo in the title you see above. This Audi A8 L W12 Executive Concept is indeed a concept car as the name suggests but Audi has also confirmed its production at the same time, although only 50 units will be produced. This model is aimed at an “exclusive group of connoisseurs” and is being marketed under the “Audi exclusive concept” label.

Basically the car is a premium version of the A8 flagship with things like a bespoke interior. The seats are covered with Cognac-colored leather by the exclusive Italian manufacturer Poltrona Frau. The inlays are made from the wood olive ash along with a light gray-brown veneer that has fine grain. There is also a hint of silver in the pores that gives the wood’s appearance a refined look.

Power comes from a 6.3 litre W12 petrol engine with 493 hp and 625 Nm of torque. All 50 units will carry a plate marked with a designated serial number. Audi also confirmed that more models will be placed under the exclusive label.

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Frankfurt: Ford’s Fiesta ST Concept takes centre stage

September 15, 2011 at 12:04 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, Ford, International News

Ford has arrived to Frankfurt with the Fiesta ST Concept which previews a high-performance global Fiesta, just like the production Focus ST that was launched at the same venue as well. At first glance, you can definitely spot the aggressiveness in the concept with features such as the trapezoidal grille which was carried over from the Focus ST. There is also a diffuser at the back which channels out a twin exhaust tail pipe.

The concept also sits on 17-inch alloy wheels and is also slapped on with a full ST body kit inspired by the Ford Fiesta WRC rally car. The car is finished in Molten Orange which is also used by the Ford SVT F-150 Raptor pickup sold in North America. The sportiness continues with the interior thanks to a high-contrast design along with Recaro sports seats for the driver and front passenger.

The suspension geometry has been retuned as well to offer a sportier handling characteristic, although the details were not revealed. Under the hood lies a 1.6 litre EcoBoost unit which produces 177 hp and 240 Nm of torque, allowing the concept to hit 100 km/h in less than 7 seconds while top speed is figured at slightly over 220 km/h.

This turbocharged engine also features Ford’s Twin-independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) and is connected to a 6-speed manual transmission. Ford also revealed that the engine produces less than 140 g/km of CO2 emissions. Continue reading to check out a high-res image gallery.
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VIDEO: Unveiling footage of the Seat IBL Concept

September 14, 2011 at 7:16 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, International News, SEAT, Videos

The Seat IBL Concept vehicle made its premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show yesterday and we have managed to get you the unveiling video of the concept. This Spanish concept is being positioned as a sports sedan and it is a plug-in hybrid. You can read more about the IBL Concept right here.

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Skoda MissionL Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show

September 14, 2011 at 5:08 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, Skoda, Videos

Skoda’s MissionL Concept had its motor show debut yesterday in Frankfurt and we now have some videos to share with you. First up is a product presentation video as well as the unveiling of the concept while the second video gives you a 360-degree of the Czech vehicle.

Skoda has confirmed that the production version of the concept will arrive late next year and India would be the first market to receive it. It will then head to other markets including Europe, Russia and China in 2012.

Look after the jump for a small live gallery of the MissionL.
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Frankfurt: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento gets green light for 20-unit production run

September 14, 2011 at 3:03 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Lamborghini

Lamborghini has made an official announcement at the Frankfurt Motor Show in regards to the Sesto Elemento concept which was unveiled at last year’s Paris Motor Show. President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann has confirmed that the concept will go into production. We are also expecting the production version to be identical to the Paris concept.

The production Sesto Elemento will be limited to a 20-unit production run and is planned for a launch in early 2013. This track-only 999 kg model will use a 570hp V10 powerhouse linked to an all wheel drive system. With those figures, the vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio is set at 1.75 kg per hp, allowing the monster to hit 100km/h in just 2.5 seconds from a standstill.

It uses a carbon fiber monocoque made of forged composite and there is also extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the vehicle. Stephan Winkelmann said, “The excellent feedback and the numerous requests we’ve had from our customers have really convinced us to embark on the challenge of producing a vehicle with unique characteristics”.

“We are proud that what a year ago was just a ‘technology demonstrator’ of future super sports cars, even though in working order, will become a small series reality,” he added.

Click here to view more photos of the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento concept.

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Frankfurt: Volkswagen shows off the Beetle R Concept

September 14, 2011 at 12:44 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, Volkswagen

This is the Volkswagen Beetle R Concept which made its public debut at the Frankfurt motor event. It is a design study which will likely translate into a production run at a later stage. The concept is treated to a sportier body kit with front and rear bumpers that are widened by 30 mm. The front bumper has three air intakes that are finished in Black High Gloss which is the same treatment given to the front spoiler.

The vents and various other slots are functional and they provide engine and brake temperature regulation. The rear bumper also assists in the aerodynamics department along with a diffuser and a rear spoiler. The exterior also sports two sets of dual chrome tailpipes, free-standing wings that are widened by 15 mm as well as a roof with the Black High Gloss treatment.

The Beetle R sits on large 20-inch Talladega alloy wheels which is the same design utilized by the Golf R and the Scirocco R. These wheels are finished in Serious Grey.

On the inside, the sportier Beetle has motorsport shell seats that are upholstered in black Nappa leather, seat piping in Space Blue and lots of R logos everywhere. The instruments have been modified as well and brushed aluminium is used for all pedal caps.

You might be wondering what is powering the concept but unfortunately Volkswagen has neglected to mention the details in the press release. However you can safely expect it to have engine performance figures that match the Golf R and the Scirocco R.

As always, more images can be found after the jump.
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Frankfurt: Land Rover reveals the DC100 and DC100 Sport Defender concepts

September 14, 2011 at 12:51 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Land Rover, Technology


UPDATE: Live photos have been added to the gallery.

Land Rover has unveiled two Defender concepts at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The first is the DC100 concept which was revealed prior to the motor event and second is the roof-less DC100 Sport concept which was just announced moments ago. According to the famous 4×4 maker, these two concepts will help set the pathway for the future design of the iconic Defender and they both showcase various off-road capabilities.

Both concepts sit on the same lightweight, mixed-alloy platform and feature 2.0 litre gasoline and diesel engines with hybrid and plug-in capabilities. They both run on a permanent four-wheel drive configuration along with an 8-speed transmission.

Other features include an Intelligent Stop/Start system, three-abreast ‘social seating’, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Leisure key which is a waterproof and lightweight alternative to the control fob, built-in induction charging stations as well as the ‘Always-on’ connectivity and telematics feature which allow for car-to-smartphone, car-to-car and car-to-base communication.

As for the 4×4 functions, both concepts have the Terrain-i scanning device which alerts the driver about obstacles while off-roading and it can even suggest alternative routes. There is also something called Wade Aid which uses sonar technology to assess water depth and it can also advise the driver on the optimum speed. Another interesting feature is the spiked tyre system which can be activated by the driver.

There is also Driveline Disconnect which physically disjoints the rear axle to save fuel when the all-wheel drive system is not required and there is also an updated Land Rover Terrain Response system. So what’s the difference between the two concepts? Well the DC100 pretty much showcases the future of Land Rover capability and versatility while the DC100 Sport is an “active expression of freedom and leisure.” Land Rover also took the opportunity to reiterate that the new Defender will be launched in 2015.

Continue reading to view an image gallery.
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