Archive for Concepts

First of all, what’s with the bicycle wheels??? Actually this is more like an extreme example of retro-futurism as all the first few cars including Henry Ford’s had wheels that looked like this. In actual fact its a modern reenactment of the Benz Patent Motorwagen. This is Mercedes-Benz’s F-CELL Roadster Concept.

It’s powered by a fuel cell located at the rear producing just 1.2 kilowatts, or 1.6 horsepower. It has a range of 350km and a top speed of 25km/h. Perfect for navigating golf courses in style? Check out more hi-res shots after the jump.

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In this latest generation of BMW cars, we are seeing many of the “experimentation” in design removed to revert to something a little more conservative.

One obvious example is the difference between the E65 and the F01, and the addressing of several common complaints with the E90’s design. I feel the most of the lines and curves of the 1-Series look very good, except somehow they just had to add an odd sagging line at the bottom.

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Then I remembered we have Theophilus Chin and his magical Photoshop, and the result is what you see above. The 1-Series really looks so much better without that sagging line!

But of course, the 1-Series was first introduced in 2004 and the hatchback was already facelifted in 2007. But the 1-Series coupe was only introduced recently and is actually a full half generation behind the hatchback, so I wonder if the coupe will be “facelifted” in 2010 to “fix” this.

Look after the jump for more 1-Series digital plastic surgery!

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The high performance Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show recently, and the Italian auto maker is not about to leave the gorgeous MiTo at that only. The auto maker has revealed that it will present another MiTo concept at the upcoming AutoRAI event which will take place in Amsterdam.

Called the Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce Concept, it would be positioned between the standard MiTo and the high performance GTA version if it goes into production, and something tells me that it will. The MiTo Veloce Concept is expected to be powered by a tuned version of Alfa’s 1.4 liter turbocharged engine that would kick out 177HP.

The MiTo Veloce is expected to sprint to the 100 km/h point in about 7.5 seconds, and is expected to feature an up-rated suspension, as well as some slight modifications on the body work. The show will kick start on April 1st, so stay tuned as we will bring you more details.

Nicolas Stone, a recent graduate from the College of Creative Studies has designed the concept you see above, dubbed as the 2020 City Car Concept with the help of Korean-based auto maker, Hyundai.

Featuring a naturalist theme, the futuristic 2020 Hyundai City Car Concept seems to feature a front end that looks a little like the Mitsubishi i MiEV.

The “green” theme can also be seen in the airy interior, with a design that mimics “leaves growing off a stem”. Electricity is obtained via transparent solar panels mounted on the car that will then channel electricity into a water tank to split hydrogen molecules from oxygen molecules (Hydroxene anyone?). Just like a plant, the eco-friendly car uses stored hydrogen to power to vehicle while oxygen is released into the atmosphere (this is the plant part). This method is in fact called “artificial photosynthesis”.

Continue reading to view an image gallery.

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Scion has revealed that it will be presenting a micro-subcompact concept car at the upcoming New York Auto Show. The auto brand did not reveal anything else, other than the concept reflects Scion’s youthful image and represents a new segment for the brand aimed toward the growing urbanization trend.

But we are 99.9% sure that Scion is actually talking about a re-badged version of the Toyota iQ micro car for the U.S market. If this is the case, which I am sure it is, expect Scion to fit the new 1.33 liter engine with a dual VVT-i system that is capable of 99HP into the engine bay. The engine can be mated to either a 6 speed manual or a CVT transmission while fuel consumption figure with the manual tranny is rated at 58.9 miles to the gallon, and 55.4 miles to the gallon with the CVT.

To help improve fuel efficiency, the new engine comes with Toyota’s Optimal Drive technology as well as an engine Stop & Start technology. The Toyota iQ was also recently awarded with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating.

Ssangyong is in dire straits and is currently under court receivership, but while its financial books get sorted out the show must go on, the Seoul Motor Show that is, and the company will be exhibiting the Ssangyong C200 Eco Concept there.

The C200 is a SUV similiar in size to the Tiguan, RAV4, CR-V and Qashqai and uses Ssangyong’s first monocoque chassis for an SUV. Under its hood is the same 175 horsepower 2.0 liter turbodiesel engine as the first C200 and this is mated to a 6-speed automatic. Ssangyong has also used alot of aluminium in its supension components to help reduce weight. They intend to give the C200 an European feel when it comes to ride and handling.

Also set to be released at the show is a hybrid turbodiesel Kyron, combining Ssangyong’s turbodiesel engine with a Torque Split Deevice which combines or cuts off power with an electric motor. Ssangyong says tests have shown that fuel efficiency can be improved by 25%, while emissions can drop by 10% for nitrogen oxide and 15% for particulates.

Yet again, thanks to the beauty of the Internet, we have some leaked teaser images to show you, this time, the casualty being a new crossover concept by Acura. The potential rival to the BMW X6 (if it goes into production) will make its first official appearance at the upcoming New York Auto Show.

With a coupe-ish roof line, just like Munich’s X6, the concept is expected to feature bold styling with a wide and aggressive stance and with hidden rear door handles. Reports also indicate that the concept will carry Acura’s new grille design language.

Power for forward and rear motion is expected to be supplied by a 3.7 liter V6 power plant that is able to churn out 300HP and 372Nm of torque. The Acura Crossover Concept is also expected to feature Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive System, also known as SH-AWD. Please continue reading to view more leaked teasers.

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The Geneva Motor Show officially comes to an end, and just before the shutter rolls down, here is a report on Mitsubishi’s iMiev Prototype and the iMiev Sport Air Concept. The iMiev Prototype is basically meant for the European market, and is expected to debut sometime in 2010, while the iMiev for the Japanese market is set to hit showrooms by summer this year.

Compared to the Japanese market model, the European Prototype iMiev features widened front and rear tracks and extended rear overhangs to help provide higher levels of pedestrian protection expected in Europe as well as better occupant protection in the event of a rear-end shunt. With a clean and simple Ice Blue interior treatment, the exterior is finished in a snow-white body finish.

Propulsion power of the iMiev with a rear-midship layout is provided by an electric motor that can output 47kW and 180Nm of torque. This rear wheel drive 4-seater prototype stores energy in a 330V lithium-ion battery pack.

Next up is the iMiev Sport Air Concept which is a sporty concept version of the electric iMiev. Sharing the same platform as the iMiev, this tear-drop shaped Sport Air Concept features a number of new fitments and accessories including front and rear lights that have a 3D look as well as a detachable “clear cutaway” roof panel that also features a solar inlay.

The interior is treated to a high-contrast colour scheme of greyish blue and “greige”, which is an intermediate color between grey and beige with blue illumination for the instruments and interior lighting. Compared to the iMiev, this 4-seater concept features a more powerful electric motor which generates 60kW and 230Nm of torque. The Sport Air Concept is also about 100 kilograms lighter than the iMiev thanks to its body structure that uses tailgate panels and plastic body to help reduce weight. Continue reading to view an image gallery.

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Designed by Copenhagen-based premium furniture brand, Republic of Fritz Hansen, this concept is the product of a collaboration between Airstream Inc. and BMW-owned MINI. Inspired by the outdoor lifestyle of surfing, the 22ft Airstream trailer concept will have its interior furnished with Arne Jacobsen’s Egg and Swan chair and a table set up with four unique Series Seven chairs, allowing plenty of room for guests.

It will also feature sleek wood paneling that will help give it the ultimate “modern surfer” look. Other features expected to be offered with the Airstream include a waterproof interior and a sun bathing bed.

Pulling power is provided by a 175HP MINI Cooper S Clubman with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection that will also reflect the same design theme with a jet black finish with black “wetsuit” neoprene accents along with green trim. The MINI Cooper S Clubman and Airstream Trailer Concept will be presented at the Interni Design Energies exhibition at the Salone del Mobile show in Milan which takes place from April 21st till April 30th. Continue reading to view another image.

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Korean-based electronics giant Samsung has released design sketches of its eMX Concept which is set to be previewed at the upcoming Seoul Motor Show which will take place in April. Some of you might find this as a surprise but Samsung has had an automotive division since the mid-90’s, and sometime in 2000, Renault purchased 70% (now already 80%) of the division back in 2000, forming Renault-Samsung Motors.

The eMX, or also known as the eco-motoring experience concept is said to preview the upcoming 2010 Samsung SM3 sedan. Engine wise, the concept is expected to feature a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine, while the outgoing Samsung SM3 which is based on the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy is powered by a normally aspirated 136HP 2.0 liter engine. Renault-Samsung Motors may even drop in a 205HP 2.0 liter turbo found in the Renault Laguna GT that is also good for 300Nm of torque.

The sketches indicate that the Samsung eMX Concept is almost production ready, with a rather good looking design, especially with the aggressive front end. I can’t wait to look at images of the actual concept! Please continue reading to view another sketch.

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