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Peugeot SXC Concept: New look applied on a crossover

April 15, 2011 at 10:25 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, China, Concept Cars, International News, Peugeot

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

April 13, 2011 at 12:18 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Lexus

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.
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Subaru XV crossover concept to debut in Shanghai

April 11, 2011 at 12:38 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Subaru


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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.

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

April 7, 2011 at 6:02 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz

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

April 6, 2011 at 9:29 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Lexus

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

April 6, 2011 at 12:49 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Hyundai, International News, Koreans

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.
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F10 BMW Concept M5 unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2011

April 4, 2011 at 11:06 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, Concept Cars, International News

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.
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Chevrolet Mi-ray concept hybrid – the future explored

April 4, 2011 at 1:00 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Chevrolet/Daewoo, Concept Cars, International News


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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.

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Kia Naimo EV concept debuts at Seoul Motor Show

March 31, 2011 at 1:31 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Kia, Koreans

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.
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The Mad Max Interceptor returns, and there are two!

March 30, 2011 at 10:08 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Ford, International News


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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?

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