Paul Tan's Automotive News » Concept Cars

Nissan INVITATION Concept previews new B-segment car

Paul Tan — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:48:41 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Tokyo 2011: Live photos of the Suzuki Regina concept

Harvinder Sidhu — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:07:05 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Tokyo 2011: Toyota shows off the Fun-Vii concept

Harvinder Sidhu — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 03:36:58 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Frankfurt: Production-ready Audi A8 L W12 concept

Harvinder Sidhu — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:49:33 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Frankfurt: Ford’s Fiesta ST Concept takes centre stage

Harvinder Sidhu — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:04:29 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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VIDEO: Unveiling footage of the Seat IBL Concept

Harvinder Sidhu — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:16:47 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Skoda MissionL Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Harvinder Sidhu — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:08:38 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Frankfurt: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento gets green light for 20-unit production run

Harvinder Sidhu — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 07:03:06 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Frankfurt: Volkswagen shows off the Beetle R Concept

Harvinder Sidhu — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:44:17 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Frankfurt: Land Rover reveals the DC100 and DC100 Sport Defender concepts

Harvinder Sidhu — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:51:55 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Frankfurt: Subaru presents the BRZ Prologue coupe

Harvinder Sidhu — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:49:10 +0000

UPDATE: Live photos have been added to the gallery.

Subaru has unveiled its own version of Toyota’s FT-86 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Called the BRZ Prologue, it was unveiled in a somewhat unfinished guise with a see-through body showing off the coupe’s internals. The company calls it the “SUBARU BRZ PROLOGUE – BOXER Sports Car Architecture II”

The BRZ features a rear-wheel-drive layout and is fitted with a normally-aspirated 2.0 litre Boxer engine which is exclusively developed for the coupe. The engine features a revised bore and stroke setting and also features Toyota’s direct injection and port injection technology which is commonly known as D-4S.

Subaru promises that the BRZ will offer “Pure Handling Delight” and confirmed that production is expected to start in spring 2012. Subaru also revealed the dimensions of the vehicle which includes a 2,570mm wheelbase. The vehicle is 4,200mm long, 1,770mm wide and 1,270mm high.

Continue reading to view more high-res photos of the vehicle.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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BMW i3 and i8 concepts feature new LifeDrive platform

Paul Tan — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:23:07 +0000

These are the BMW i3 and the i8 Concepts, the two members of the new BMW i family that BMW previewed last week at Messe Frankfurt. The BMW i3 was originally known as the BMW Megacity Vehicle, and it will be BMW’s first series-produced all-electric vehicle, and you’ll see the i8 sports car in the upcoming Mission Impossible movie.

BMW started off the BMW M sub brand for high performance versions of its cars. The company had to evolve with times, and with the rise of the popularity of the SUV came the BMW X brand along with xDrive.

Now as the world continues to change with the times and the idea of mobility continues to evolve – BMW has responded with the creation of a sub-brand which meets the changing needs of customers head-on: BMW i. BMW i is all visionary vehicles and mobility services, inspiring design, and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability.

“The purpose-oriented and sustainable mobility solutions from BMW i mark the dawn of a new era in personal mobility for the automotive industry,” said Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Sales and Marketing.

The BMW i brand started off as a think tank called project i back in 2007. BMW had set project i up to explore sustainable mobility solutions, intended to generate a transfer of expertise into both the company as a whole, as well as future vehicle projects.

Quite interestingly, the sustainability goals extended way beyond just the vehicles themselves. The development engineers focused on the entire value chain – not just the end result products. Every parts-related process, technology, supplier – they’ve all been required to contribute to the sustainability rating of the products. The goal is to reduce resources consumption and emissions per vehicle produced by 30 per cent over 2006 levels by 2012.

Anyway, let’s look at the two concept cars. First up – the BMW i3 concept, previously known as the BMW Megacity Vehicle. It is the BMW Group’s first all-electric car intended for series production, focused on the mobility challenges of ultra urban areas. BMW is not the first to the end of the line in the race to start selling a production EV – there are already other cars on sale such as the Nissan LEAF, but this is a premium EV.

It kinda looks like a typical hatchback, and you can even imagine perhaps that space in front of the passenger cell where the combustion engine might be in a conventional car might house the i3′s electric motor.

But the i3 (and the i8) are not “conversion” cars. Their chassis architecture was built from ground up to house an electric drive train. While in a combustion engine car it might make sense for the engine to be up front with the gearbox, the petrol tank at the rear and etc, this might not be the best way to house the components necessary for an electric drive.

Electric drive components place totally different demands on a vehicle when it comes to installation space and cannot be integrated into that vehicle without adding weight and compromising interior and boot space.

Because of a chassis designed for a combustion engine, many of these “conversion EVs” have lots of restrictions and compromises because of the legacy architecture they are based on, and sometimes the cars end up having an odd weight distribution, or a very heavy weight. The MINI E is an example of a conversion electric car – a regular MINI chassis converted to use batteries. BMW says the i3 is much lighter than the MINI E because it was designed from ground up as an electric car. The 1-Series was also ‘converted’ into the BMW ActiveE Concept.

Enter BMW’s LifeDrive architecture, which is built from ground up for electric car construction. It’s divided into two parts – the Life module which contains the ‘life’ or the passengers, and the Drive module which contains the drive equipment like the engine, electric motor and batteries. These modules are said to be separate, independent functional units.

The Drive module houses the vehicle’s suspension, battery, drive system, and structural and crash functions into a construction made mainly from aluminum. The secure arrangement of the battery in the Drive module gives the vehicle a very low centre of gravity and optimum weight distribution.

The passengers sit in the Life module, consisting of a high-strength and extremely lightweight passenger cell made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The use of CFRP ensures the Life module is remarkably light, helping counter the weight of the other components, thus helping achieve better range and power.

You might worry about the idea of something that has the word “plastic” on it surrounding you and protecting you on the highway. Like the cockpit of a F1 car, the CFRP passenger cell provides an extremely strong survival area. While regular metal chassis constructions require the addition of large energy absorption zones, special deformation elements in the CFRP structure allow large amounts of energy to be absorbed in an amazingly small area.

With the drive components located in the Drive module, there is no centre tunnel running through the passenger compartment. This allows, if necessary, the left and right seats in a row to be connected with each other by a continuous seat surface, which allows for a relatively more comfortable entry and exit via the front passenger side of the car and means you can park one side of your car up close to walls, for example.

All of this sounds very high tech but it actually kinda reminds me of the old way of constructing cars – body on frame instead of unibody, a technique still used today in most pick-up trucks.

Although both the i3 and the i8 are based on the LifeDrive architecture, the geometric implementation of the concept differs in the two models, having been adapted to suit their different usages. The BMW i3 Concept features a horizontal-split variant of the LifeDrive platform optimised to accommodate the car’s electric drive system.

Here, the Life module is simply mounted on top of the Drive module. The 170hp/250Nm compact (smaller than a typical internal combustion engine, and 40% smaller than the MINI E’s motor) motor is mounted at the rear axle, while the rest of the space in the Life module contains a large battery to provide the electric-only i3 Concept a longer range. The battery is penned in by aluminium profiles, which protect it from external impacts. Crash-active structures in front and behind it provide the necessary energy absorption in the event of a front- or rear-end collision.

An integrated liquid cooling system keeps the battery at its optimal operating temperature at all times, which helps to significantly boost the performance and life expectancy of the cells. The climate/heating system cools the fluid circulating in the battery housing via a heat exchanger. Because the cooling system of an electric car is different, there’s really no need for a radiator grille at the front, so to improve aerodynamics, the i3 is designed with no air vents at the front – the kidney grille is decorative.

The battery can be fully recharged in six hours at a standard power socket. If a high-speed charger is used, an 80 per cent charge can be achieved in just one hour. The i3′s electric motor via a single speed transmission gearbox takes it from 0 to 60km/h in under 4 seconds. It hits 100km/h in about 8 seconds. It hits an electronically governed top speed of 150km/h.

If necessary, BMW has designed for the i3′s LifeDrive platform to be able to accommodate a small petrol engine as a range extender. This range extender (REx) engine will be integrated together with the electric motor in the rear axle.

The BMW i3 Concept also has a high recycled material content. 25 per cent of the interior plastics by weight have been replaced by recycled and renewable materials, as have 25 per cent by weight of the exterior thermoplastic components, while the CFRP used in the Life Module consists of 10 per cent recycled material.

The use of recycled CFRP in this form is currently unique. The CFRP produced by BMW’s joint venture partner at the Moses Lake plant in USA is made with electricity generated entirely from hydroelectric power. A total of more than 80 per cent of the aluminium used in the BMW i3 Concept is produced either using renewable energy or from secondary material.

And now we take a look at the i8. The i8 is quite a different vehicle from the i3 – while the i3 is a city roundabout vehicle, the i8 is a sports car. Unlike the i3′s EV power, the i8 is powered by two different power sources, which demonstrates the versatility of the LifeDrive architecture.

The LifeDrive architecture is constructed differently here – arranged in a vertically manner instead of the simple top-down horizontally split structure of the i3. The drive systems powering the BMW i8 Concept are integrated into the front and rear axle modules, with the CFRP Life module providing the bridge between the two.

The electric motor has been adopted from the BMW i3 Concept and modified for use in the BMW i8 Concept’s hybrid power train, where it is “tuned” to run with a smaller battery pack and in conjunction with an internal combustion engine. It drives the front axle, while a 220 hp turbocharged 1.5 litre three-cylinder petrol engine developing up to 300 Nm of torque drives the rear axle. Naturally, this gives the i8 all-wheel drive traction capability.

This is something new, as the previous BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept used a diesel engine. Together, the two power sources take the vehicle to a governed top speed of 250 km/h. It hits 100km/h in under 5 seconds but consumes just 3 litres per 100km on the Euro test cycle.

SInce the i8 is a plug-in hybrid, it does not need as much battery cells as the electric-only i3. These battery cells are stored inside the Life module inside an “energy tunnel”, which is very much like a transmission tunnel. This also helps gives the vehicle a low centre of gravity, which helps with handling. The batteries alone give the i8 an all-electric driving range of approximately 35km, and they can be charged in 2 hours with a standard power socket.

BMW i is the embodiment of “next premium” for BMW, which extends the idea of premium to encompass future requirements of personal transportation. These cars still have quite a few years before they hit production, and in the meanwhile there are already a few other carmakers putting their EV products into the market – for example, we have cars like the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and the Nissan Leaf in the non-premium market, and US automaker Tesla in the premium market.

As part of project i, the BMW Group is currently conducting field trials in everyday conditions with conversion vehicles running purely on electric power. The ongoing trials in the USA and Europe with a fleet of more than 600 MINI E cars are already delivering important feedback on the demands the series-produced electric vehicles of the future will need to meet.

Added to which, a test fleet of over 1,000 BMW ActiveE vehicles – set for launch in the USA, Europe and China at the end of 2011 – will contribute valuable insights into the performance of these models in everyday use. Feedback from the customers trialling the MINI E and BMW ActiveE is channelled directly into the series development of the BMW i vehicles.

We’ve tried a few electric cars before, including one that’s technically from the BMW stables (read our previous story on the Rolls Royce EV). We’re really looking forward to trying out a BMW or MINI EV sometime soon, if not prototype versions of the the i3 or i8, perhaps one of the conversion vehicles like the BMW ActiveE or the MINI E?

Look after the jump for a full gallery and more videos of the i3 and i8.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Ssangyong XIV-1 Concept for Frankfurt: 2 new images

Paul Tan — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 13:57:09 +0000

Ssangyong have released two new images of their Frankfurt Motorshow concept car, along with an announcement that they’re giving the concept a new name – the Ssangyong XIV-1 Concept. It was previously known as the XUV-1. In this case, the XIV-1 stands for “exciting user Interface Vehicle”. Looks kinda Evoque-inspired don’t you think? I wonder what went on with the name change… perhaps Ssangyong encountered some trademark issues with the term XUV?

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Ford Evos Concept – four seater fastback C-segment car

Paul Tan — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:31:07 +0000

This is the Ford Evos Concept, a four door four seater fastback concept car that will make its public debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Ford says the Evos Concept is a showcase of Ford’s first truly global design language, which Ford says is an evolution of the existing kinetic design language found on existing global Ford products like the Fiesta and the new Focus.

The Evos Concept has the length of a C-segment car, but with the width of a CD car, so I suppose you could say it’s about as long as a Focus but as wide as a Mondeo. It’s got a 2,740mm wheelbase. I wonder if producing a fastback like this means Ford is interested to bring a car like the Ford Capri back into its line-up.

We’ve heard such rumors in the past. Other manufacturers have done similar things, resulting in cars like the Scirocco. Two years ago, Ford decided to randomly release a press release about the classic Ford Capri, complete with a long history and file photos.

Like all modern concept cars, things just wouldn’t seem to be complete without some kind of alternative fuel powertrain, so Ford has given the Ford Evos Concept a lithium-ion battery plug-in hybrid system, which Ford says is reflective of the system in the upcoming Ford C-MAX Energi, scheduled for introduction in the US in 2012 and Europe in 2013.

The system allows the vehicle’s electric motor and internal combustion engine to work together or separately to maximise efficiency, making this a full fledged hybrid system instead of just having a simple motor assist system.

Look after the jump for a small gallery of the Evos Concept.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Land Rover Defender DC100 Concept to debut at Frankfurt

Paul Tan — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:43:18 +0000

Is the Land Rover Defender about to get a massive makeover? It sure looks like Land Rover has the intention, with this new Defender DC100 Concept set to make a public debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

It’s not a bad idea really, after all, all the passenger car companies are having a field day with modern day retro-futuristic interpretations of their muscle car classics – we now have cool modern versions of cars like the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang. So why can’t Land Rover do the same?

“Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world; it is a car that inspires people worldwide. This isn’t a production-ready concept but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century,” says Gerry McGovern, Director of Design, Land Rover.

A new Land Rover Defender is set to be launched in 2015. Revising its design is one thing, but what about its construction? WIll Land Rover replace the Defender’s ladder frame construction with a monocoque design?

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Peugeot HX1 Concept MPV to debut at Frankfurt 2011

Paul Tan — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:16:04 +0000

Peugeot’s latest concept car set for a debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show is an MPV concept called the Peugeot HX1 Concept Car, but it’s not your usual soccer mom van – it’s low slung like a JDM Honda Odyssey.

The HX1 Concept measures 1,373mm tall, 1,990mm wide and 4,954mm long, as a comparison, the Peugeot 5008 is 1,638mm tall, 2,118mm wide and 4,530mm long.

At first glance, it looks as though the HX1 only has two rows of seats, with a maximum seating capacity of four. That’s because by default, the rear row is configured for maximum comfort or leg room.

If required, a “center row” can be created in between the front and rear rows thanks to the “pull-out seats” integrated into the back of the front seats.

The HX1 Concept also featured variable bodywork to optimize the car for aerodynamics at different speeds. A spoiler and two side skirts located at the top of the tailgate are deployed above 100km/h.

Power is provided by Peugeot’s HYbrid4 system, which uses a 204 horsepower 2.2 litre HDi diesel engine coupled with a 95 horsepower electric motor, resulting in a peak output of 299 horsepower. The system uses a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The car also has plug in 240V charging capabilities and an electric only mode, which provides a range of 30km.

Look after the jump for pix of the Peugeot HX1 Concept.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Aston Martin V12 Zagato endurance racer concept debuts

Anthony Lim — Mon, 23 May 2011 12:08:42 +0000

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Aston Martin’s newest collaboration with Zagato, the V12 Zagato endurance racer concept, was unveiled over the weekend at the Villa D’Este Concours in Lake Como, Italy, primarily as a basis to gauge customer interest, with a view towards a strictly limited run of road-going V12 Zagatos to come about.

The company’s V12 Vantage model provides the basis for the V12 Zagato, but the new two-door, two-seat coupe is very much its own entity design-wise, as should be the case. The new handcrafted aluminium body is shaped in such a manner that’s not possible using pre-formed panel techniques, AM says – utilising the skill of nearly 100 years of heritage in the craft, every aluminium panel on the car has been formed using an English wheel and traditionally-crafted body bucks.

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For example, each front wing comprises seven separate pieces of aluminium, combined and then hand finished to give one flowing form. Another iconic Zagato design cue is the double bubble roof, created in this case from five separate pieces, illustrating further the intensity of craftsmanship involved in the construction of the car.

The V12 Zagato is powered by an all-alloy, quad overhead cam 6.0 litre V12 mill producing 510 hp and 570 Nm of torque, mated to a rear mid-mounted, six-speed automated manual gearbox with auto shift manual/select shift manual (ASM/SSM) electric hydraulic control system.

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Like the first DB4GT Zagato, which was shown to the public in late 1960 and which spent much of its life as a racing car after being launched, the new car is set to walk the same path – the first two V12 Zagatos to be created are set to serve as endurance race cars.

The car will make its racing debut in the 53. ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN round at Nürburgring next week, with a view to two cars racing in the 24 hour race on June 25-26.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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LUXGEN neora concept – transforming ‘cold’ into ‘emotion’

Anthony Lim — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 03:30:48 +0000

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ROC-based carmaker LUXGEN has lifted the covers off its latest creation, called the neora. The intelligent electric concept, as it has been tagged, showcases design cues that will be seen in the company’s upcoming models in the future.

“To transform the cold and rigid industrial product into one of the emotional kind” is what the neora is all about design-wise, says the Taiwanese company. Well, nothing like infusing warmth and character into an inanimate object, or attempting to, hey?

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The front-wheel-drive vehicle is powered by a 180 kW electric induction motor, with juice coming from a 48 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which can be charged to 80% within an hour. On a single charge, the battery provides enough zip for up to 400 km of travel distance.

Performance specs for the 1,600 kg include a 0-100 kph time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 kph.

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Features on the neora include a head-up display, a PDLC electric glass sunroof, a LED display infotainment system for the rear passengers and a 9-inch active intelligent information system display on the centre console, which offers navigation and information exchange with other suitably-equipped vehicles.

Inside, there’s a big nod to environmental sustainability, with the futuristic cabin featuring the use of eco-friendly trim. Everything works around the chosen earth tone shade – with the grey-theme highlighted by blue accents – including the recycled wood found in the mix.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Nissan Compact Sport Concept – 190 hp 1.6 litre flash hatch

Anthony Lim — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 04:30:49 +0000

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Well, here’s a cute little critter then, though perhaps it may be a bit too kitschy for many. It’s called the Nissan Compact Sport Concept, and it’s a Nissan debutant at the ongoing Auto Shanghai 2011, along with other cars like the new Latio.

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Designed in collaboration by Nissan’s global design headquarters in Japan and the company’s new design studio in Beijing, the three-door concept hatch – which Nissan says is designed for young customers in emerging countries – certainly displays a fair bit of bling.

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Details are minimal about the car, which is believed to sit on a Micra (March) platform (and looking like it overdosed on steroids), save the fact that it’s equipped with a direct-injection turbocharged 1.6 litre lump offering 190 hp, mated to a six-speed CVT gearbox with a manual shift mode.

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Elsewhere, it’s all pretty much flash; the external bulges make for great eye-candy for those into such curves and flair, and the interior displays enough attention-grabbing bits too – the contrasting black and white interior features red for highlight accents and plenty of oval-shaped cues. No mention if this one will ever come into series production (the 4th-gen K13 Micra/March is only a year old, so it’s not a preview of a replacement), but you can never tell these days.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Infiniti JX luxury crossover to join line-up in 2012

Anthony Lim — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 02:32:03 +0000

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Infiniti has announced that it will be bringing the JX, an all-new three-row luxury crossover, into the market sometime in the second quarter of 2012. The company has released an exterior sketch of the JX, and states that the brand styling theme will continue with a “crescent cut” greenhouse design influenced by the Infiniti Essence concept car.

The seven-seater promises to have a stunning interior, offer exceptional seating flexibility and easy access to the roomy third row, as well as being equipped with the latest in-vehicle technology, including next-generation telematics.

More details will emerge when the JX concept is shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this August – the production version is slated to make its global debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Peugeot SXC Concept: New look applied on a crossover

Danny Tan — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 02:25:17 +0000

It’s an indication of China’s prominence that so many carmakers are lining up to set up world debuts in Shanghai. Peugeot is one of them, and the French marque that’s targeting 200,000 sales this year plans to launch at least one new model per year in the world’s largest auto market. At this year’s Auto Shanghai, they will launch the 508 saloon for China and also show off this sleek looking crossover concept called SXC.

Done by Peugeot Style Studios of the China Tech Center in Shanghai, the SXC (which stands for Shanghai Cross Concept) takes Peugeot’s new look first seen on the SR1 and applies it to a crossover body. According to the design team, SXC adopts certain characteristics from the world of the SUV (such as strength, high driving position, protection), without caricaturing them. It’s modern, elegant and refined and “close to the upmarket world of the saloons”.

At 4.87 m long and 2.035 m wide, the SXC is quite a large vehicle, mirroring the size of an Infiniti FX. Main styling points to look out for are the “floating grille”, “feline headlamps”, boomerang rear lamps, reverse-hinged doors, two-part panoramic roof and the use of brushed aluminium on the exterior.

Power is courtesy of Peugeot’s HYbrid4 technology. which sees a 218 hp 1.6-litre THP engine driving the front wheels and a 70 kW (95 hp) electric motor driving the rears. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.8 L/100 km and CO2 emissions is at 143 g/km. The drivetrain has a “zero emissions” mode powered solely by the electric motor at low speeds.

Gallery after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Lexus LF-Gh hybrid – the face of the future GS emerges

Anthony Lim — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 04:18:14 +0000

Full images of the Lexus LF-Gh hybrid concept, which is set to make its global debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show next week, have come about. The concept – which effectively showcases the direction the new GS should take – was teased last week with two partial reveal photos, but now you get to see the whole shebang.

Design-wise, the company says the LF-Gh has been conceived as a redefinition of the luxury grand tourer, with a “clean sheet of paper” approach to design. The shape combines presence and emotional appeal with functionality, offering enhanced creature comforts and load space big enough to carry luggage for an extended trip, so it goes.

The front end design incorporates a spindle-shaped grille that projects a resolute look, while also contributing to efficient aerodynamics and radiator and brake duct operation. Remember the face – you’re going to see it again in future Lexus models, and definitely on the next-gen GS.

A very deep front bumper adds to the sense of movement and a low centre of gravity, while the raised bonnet line implies strong performance potential, and the LED headlamps and independent L-shaped LED daytime running lights ensure the LF-Gh has a distinct face.

Design features include front air flow inlets next to the vertically arranged LED fog lamps, exiting through similar slim outlets at the rear that follow the curve of the tail lamps. The concept also explores how traditional features such as door mirrors and handles can be minimised to enhance overall sleekness and improve aerodynamics.

The increased width (the concept measures in at 4,890 mm long, 1,870 mm wide and 1,450 mm tall, with a 2,850 mm wheelbase) provides a suitable canvas for the distinctive wraparound LED tail lamps, which feature intricate reflectors set behind all-red lenses. Judicious use of slim chrome trim elements in the bumper, exhaust and diffuser add subtle touches.

Inside, things have become quite driver-orientated – the driver’s zone has a high-visibility instrument panel and a centre console that’s intuitive to use. A new analogue clock (finally!!) with a three-dimensional face serves as a focal point for the cabin, which is finished in high-quality materials with finely honed detailing.

Blue LED Lexus Hybrid Drive badges in the front grille and on the bootlid denote the car’s hybrid nature, and rounding things off with this one are 20-inch five twin-spoke wheels and P245/35R front and P285/30R rear rubbers.

High-res photo gallery after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Subaru XV crossover concept to debut in Shanghai

Anthony Lim — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 04:38:40 +0000

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Plenty of action coming from Subaru this month – the company is already set to introduce the redesigned Impreza sedan and hatch at the New York International Auto Show on April 21.

Now, news of another unveiling has come about. The company is set to debut its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive XV crossover concept car at Auto Shanghai 2011 next week, on April 19, and ahead of that has released a silhouette teaser image of the form.

No specific details about the vehicle, but Subaru says the new generation vehicle blends practicality with fashionable form, fun and comfort. Might this be the redesign for the current Impreza XV? Seems like it, what with the Impreza hatch and sedan being redrawn. Pretty fast rework if that’s the case, since the Impreza XV made its debut in Geneva last year.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class to be unveiled in Shanghai!

Paul Tan — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 10:02:45 +0000

Mercedes-Benz will preview the next generation A-Class at Auto Shanghai 2011 later this month as the new Concept A-Class. Like the previous generation, the new A-Class is a front-wheel drive car with a transverse engine.

The engine installed in the Concept A-Class is a new M270 series transverse installation engine, with 2.0 litres of displacement, replacing the M266 installed in the last generation A-Class and B-Class. It is direct injected and turbocharged, making 210 horsepower in the concept car. Power is transmitted to the two front wheels via a new Mercedes-Benz dual clutch transmission.

The Concept A-Class also features a driver assistance system called Collision Prevention Assist, which gives visual and acoustic warnings to a possibly inattentive driver if the car’s collision radar detects that the car is about to hit the rear end of the car in front. It also primes the Brake Assist system for better brake response.

Look after the jump for a full gallery of the concept.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Lexus LF-Gh – first teaser shots of new hybrid revealed

Anthony Lim — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:29:08 +0000

As it gets closer to its debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show later this month, Lexus has teased the Lexus Future Grand Touring hybrid concept with two photos offering partial reveals of the front and rear.

The company tags the LF-Gh as a redefinition of the luxury “grand tourer,” and undoubtedly, the concept will be effectively premiering the new form of the GS, the current incarnation of which has been around since 2005. The debutant is set to make its entrance on April 19.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Hyundai Blue2 Concept – it’s a hydrogen fuel-cell EV

Anthony Lim — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:49:33 +0000

It’s called the Blue2 concept, and it’s Hyundai’s first sedan-style Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) powered by hydrogen. The Blue2 (as in “Blue square”) gets its name from a combination of Hyundai’s sub eco-brand ‘Blue Drive’ and the number `2′ from H2, the symbol for hydrogen gas.

Officially designated the HND-6, the mid-size FCEV is powered by a fuel cell electric system that delivers a stack power of 90 kW (1.65 kW/L), and the company says that the car returns a fuel economy of 34.9 km/l.

Plenty of eco-friendly features to be found in this one – it’s equipped with low-resistance tires and alloy wheels which are designed to improve aerodynamic performance, while the interior design continues on the eco-friendly theme with the use of relevant materials.

The ‘Intersected Flow’ design language exterior features some novel takes – LED screen panels located on both the front and rear of the car displays images (neat way to do licence plates, you think?), and there’s also a welcome system which recognises the driver, while an automatic opening door system and side cameras – to replace the conventional side mirrors – as well as a roof camera makes for additional tech.

The exterior designs flow inside the vehicle, with asymmetrically-designed dashboards and doors on call. The cabin also features wider seats to enable more comfortable ingress and egress. Elsewhere, there’s a cluster ionizer to keep the air fresh, while antibacterial genuine leather with leaf-shaped patterns, called ‘eco-graphic perforation,’ continues on the eco-friendly tone to a T.

The meter cluster and centre fascia have been combined, and it’s all presented in a display featuring an advanced Transparent Organic Light Emitting Diode (TOLED) monitor and ultra-light tempered glass, called Gorilla Glass. Last but not least, the infotainment system is operated by a Motion Sensor Moustick, a haptic wheel and motion sensor that responds to the driver’s touch and hand movements respectively.

Gallery after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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F10 BMW Concept M5 unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2011

Paul Tan — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:06:01 +0000

BMW has unveiled a near-production version of the new F10 BMW M5 at Auto Shanghai 2011. All the traditional M5 cues are there – the gill at the side, the quad exhaust tailpipes at the rear, and the wide bumper intakes at the front.

Unlike the E60 M5 which shared a lot of similarities in terms of looks with the regular M-Sport E60 especially at the front view thanks to the similar bumper, the new F10 M5 looks completely different from the M-Sport F10 at the front end (compare here).

The front bumper looks far more aggressive, with a lower intake that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, with the M-Sport bumper being the other way around. The fog lamps have been deleted as well.

As expected, the engine has lost 2 cylinders – it’s now a V8, but more than makes up for it by gaining two turbochargers. And unlike the X5 M and X6 M, the new BMW M5 Concept uses a 7-speed M Double Clutch gearbox instead of an M-modified 8-speed ZF slushbox. The new V8 engine and M DCT gearbox combo also has auto start/stop. No power figures have been released as of now.

The F10 has quite a large and fat body so to fill up those wheel arches, 20 inch wheels have been specified. The suspension system is said to be unique to the M5, and there’s also a new Active M Differential that actively controls the multi-plate lock inside the rear diff to ensure power is transmitted to the correct rear wheel.

Look after the jump for a full photo gallery of the car.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Chevrolet Mi-ray concept hybrid – the future explored

Anthony Lim — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 05:00:43 +0000

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This is the Chevrolet Mi-ray concept, a hybrid roadster developed by the GM Advanced Design Studio in Seoul to celebrate the name’s 100-year heritage as well as showcase future design possibilities for the brand.

The Mi-ray (Korean for ‘future’) draws its inspiration from jet fighters and also pays tribute to Chevrolet’s sports car heritage – it’s small and open like the 1963 Monza SS and light and purposeful like the 1962 Corvair Super Spyder.

The “mid-electric” propulsion system, located primarily behind and beneath the driver, features two front-mounted 15 kW electric motors powered by a 1.6 kWh lithium-ion battery that’s charged through regenerative braking energy; drive capability can be switched from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive.

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There’s also a 1.5 litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, mounted behind the cockpit, which combines with the electric motors and drives the rear wheels, great for those moments when you want to stomp on things. It’s mated to a dual-clutch transmission, and there’s a start-stop system in the mix too.

Carbon fibre and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic features heavily on the exterior, which features racer-style scissor doors for added dramatic flair. Features include LED headlamps with new signature daytime running lamps and front/rear fenders that pay homage to Corvettes of the past. The Mi-ray sits on aluminium-carbon fibre composite, turbine-styled 20-inch wheels in front and 21-inch wheels at the back.

Distinctive retractable flaps provide additional airflow control, while providing access to the charge port on one side and the fuel filler on the other; the charge port also features an external battery charge indicator. Each rear fender contains individual cargo space for the storage of small items.

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The twin cockpit interior contains a mix of brushed aluminium, natural leather, white fabric and liquid metal surfaces. Features include asymmetric seats that flow from the door and ambient lighting which starts from the upper instrument panel and flows into the seat back area. The headrest area follows the exterior form, integrating with an air scarf for open-air driving.

There’s a unique approach to displaying information, using back projection on the instrument panel. Information in front of the driver falls into three visual zones – directly in front is vehicle performance, flanked on the left by range and on the right by navigation and mileage figures, all to eliminate unnecessary visual clutter.

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The centrally located start button is also inspired by jet aircraft – when the button is pressed, the column-mounted retractable meter cluster rises like a jet fighter canopy, and “Interactive Projection” appears on the white surface.

Retractable rearview cameras, which replace traditional rearview mirrors, extend from the side glass electrically. In city driving, the forward-facing camera operates in conjunction with GPS to overlay navigation information with real-time video.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Kia Naimo EV concept debuts at Seoul Motor Show

Anthony Lim — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:31:39 +0000

Kia’s Naimo electric concept car made its global debut at the Seoul Motor Show today. The crossover concept, which takes its name from the Korean word “Ne-mo”, (pronounced ‘Neh-mo’, meaning ‘square shape’), is the third electric vehicle design to be unveiled by Kia in the past year, and explores the practicalities of introducing a zero-emissions, five-door, four-seater city car in the future.

It’s powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor developing 107 hp and 280 Nm, offering the Naimo a top speed of 150 kph. A twin-pack 27 kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery, located under the boot floor, gives the vehicle a driving range of 200 km on a single charge. To enhance range, the showcar is fitted with special low-drag 20-inch alloy wheels.

Under a quick recharging cycle (50 kW), the Naimo’s battery can be recharged to 80% of its capacity within 25 minutes, while in a normal cycle (3.3 kW), a full charge can be obtained in five and a half hours.

Characterised principally by simple lines and a solid, muscular stance, the 3.9-metre long Naimo features a number of striking key details, such as a wrap-around windscreen and asymmetric sunroof as well as front and rear dot-style LED head- and positioning-lamps.

Exterior clutter has been kept down with a vengeance. For example, the Naimo doesn’t have traditional wiper blades on the windscreen; instead, it employs a high-intensity air jet at the base of the windscreen that performs an ‘air wiper’ function. Elsewhere, conventional door mirrors have been replaced with miniature cameras installed in the A-pillars.

The Naimo’s generous wheelbase, width and height (2,647, 1,844 and 1,589 mm respectively) plus the short overhangs ensure that the cabin provides exceptional head, leg and shoulder room for the occupants.

The concept car has no B-pillars and features rear-hinged rear doors to maximise easy access to the cabin, and a three-way split opening boot-lid allows versatile access to the load bay for varying luggage sizes.

Inside, the cabin has been designed to evoke a strong sense of tranquility and features hand-crafted materials throughout – Korean oak is used to trim the interior door panels and the entire interior floor, while Korean “Han-ji” paper is used for the head lining. Mixing it up with these traditional elements are modern features such as a transparent organic light emitting diode display instrument panel and full connectivity.

Gallery after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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The Mad Max Interceptor returns, and there are two!

Anthony Lim — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:08:03 +0000

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Time sure flies. It’s more than 30 years since George Miller’s original Mad Max movie, which starred Mel Gibson and a jet black Ford XB Coupe-based Interceptor, hit the big screen.

Now, with a new Mad Max instalment (tentatively called Mad Max 4: Fury Road) on the cards, Ford Australia – in partnership with TopGear Australia – has unveiled not one, but two new Mad Max Interceptors. The 21st century concepts have been designed by Ford’s designers for TopGear Australia to help celebrate the revival of the Mad Max action movie genre.

Ford Australia’s Melbourne-based Asia, Pacific and Australia design director, Chris Svensson, jumped at the chance to design a new Interceptor and threw the full weight of Ford Australia’s Research Centre behind the project.

“Our entire team was very excited to be involved in this after-hours project and they approached it with a great deal of enthusiasm, even those that were too young to remember the first Mad Max movie. We had a special screening of the original movie so they could understand it,” Svensson said.

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Led by Todd Willing, chief designer passenger cars Asia, Pacific and Africa, the team created several way-out concepts that pay homage to styling cues from the original XB Coupe Interceptor. Out of these, two have been chosen by the magazine to feature in the April issue, and readers will be invited to vote on which design Ford should take to the next level. The winning car will be turned into a clay model, and then a scale version, which is expected to be revealed later this year.

The two competing designs, by Nima Nourian and Simon Brook, are limitless in their imagination, technology and weaponry. Among the weaponry is an industrial-strength “taser” mounted to the bonnet to zap bad guys on bikes straight off the road. Other futuristic movie features include a titanium-lined body shell to interrupt police scanners and wheels with extendable spikes to shred enemy vehicles.

Nourian said his design paid tribute to the 1970s Interceptor, but also drags the car into the future. “There are some great scenes in the first movie with high-speed chases and clashes with the bad guys, and I thought I’d take that one step further,” he said. “So instead of having weapons and machine guns, we’ve got an industrial strength taser that’ll zap cars dead and out of the way.

Brook’s car was equally threatening. “During high-speed pursuits, the wheels’ inner spokes on my design will pop out and start ripping up other cars. They’d do some serious damage to other vehicles,” he said. His design takes cues from the current FG Falcon, but advances it further while adding touches of the retro Interceptor as well. “I wanted to keep it clean and aerodynamic in its essence, but still brutal and tough.

Now, which car would you choose then, Max?

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 08:26:47 +0000.

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Paul Tan's Automotive News » Concept Cars

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