Concept Cars

Aero X Concept unveiled

By Mike Hanlon

March 2, 2006 Inspired by its unique aviation heritage, Saab produced one of the sensations at this year’s Geneva Show with the Aero X concept - a two-seater sports coupe that breaks with automotive design convention both outside and inside to make a unique statement in performance car design. First, there are no doors…or windscreen pillars. That's because the Saab Aero X adopts a cockpit canopy, just as you would see on a Saab jet aircraft. It offers the Aero X pilot full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin. Thrust for the all-wheel drive Saab Aero X also comes from a powerplant with a difference. The 400 bhp, twin-turbo, BioPower V6 engine is fuelled entirely by bioethanol, a sustainable energy source that is kinder to the environment by cutting fossil CO2 emissions. The 'green power' of this advanced engine gives new meaning to the phrase 'performance with responsibility'. Read More

FPV builds a concept car for Drifting

By Mike Hanlon

March 3, 2006 Motor racing has always been about speed. For the last 100 years, Motorsport has been about racing from point A to Point B, and subsequently, once racing circuits were built, from point A to Point A. Now there’s a new form of Motorsport evolving and when Australian Ford subsidiary Ford Performance Vehicles developed an “unofficial” concept car specifically for the new sport, we decided it was time to sit up and take notice. The sport is known as “drifting” and if you haven’t heard of it, no doubt you soon will – whatsmore, unlike all prior forms of Motorsport, it isn’t about speed. If motor racing is the equivalent of the 100 metre freestyle in the pool at the Olympics, think of drifting as synchronised diving. Originating in Japan and popularised by computer games in the US, drifting combines extreme driving skill with flair and artistry as drivers negotiate complex courses or routines in a controlled slide. Combining both solo qualifying runs with head-to-head competition, each event is judged on execution and style rather than speed, and is akin to skateboarding and freestyle motocross competition. So what makes an ideal concept car for Drifting? Ford’s DRIF6 features a lightweight chassis, racing cockpit and uprated version of its critically-acclaimed intercooled and turbo charged 4.0-litre in-line six cylinder producing more than 380kW of power and 700Nm of torque. Read More

IED Turin Haizea concept car: a tribute to Lancia

By Mike Hanlon

February 27, 2006 The Istituto Europeo di Design of Turin (IED) is now well established as one of the top international automotive design schools. As has become custom over recent years, the Institute creates a design concept each year which it displays at the Geneva International Motor Show. This year, the concept car project is named Haizea and is designed by the students of the Master RSP in Transportation Design. Read More

MINI Concept Geneva celebrates Monte Carlo Rally winner

By Mike Hanlon

February 26, 2006 From 1964 to 1967 Mini dominated the Monte Carlo Rally, setting the foundation for its legendary reputation as a highly agile and nimble sports car. Now, commemorating the 100th birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis (the creator of the Mini and the outstanding victories scored by the Mini brand some 40 years ago, MINI Concept Geneva offers an up-to-date interpretation of the small British racer in its great days. In particular, this new concept model presents the core idea of the Mini Traveller, Mini Countryman, and Mini Clubman Estate in a highly progressive new model variant. Read More

Dodge 170 hp Hornet Concept set to create a BUZZ

By Mike Hanlon

February 21, 2006 The Dodge brand rejoices in its role as the hardest hitting and least politically correct of the Daimler Chrysler Group. As such it can do things which other brand custodians couldn’t dream of, and the rallye-ready Dodge Hornet concept vehicle to be shown next week at the Geneva Motor Show is a perfect example. Tough and brash, the Dodge Hornet concept vehicle brings to the competitive entry-level B-segment market an ideal combination of European sensibility regarding engine size and overall footprint with an American flair for aggressive attitude and flexible interior space. Underhood is a 1.6L 16-valve OHC supercharged intercooled four-cylinder engine producing 127 kW (170 hp) and 224 N m (165 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The interior though, is based on extreme flexibility and function, having been modelled on studies of space capsule interiors, since they are designed for high efficiency in a limited space. The space-saving foam seats are exceptionally slim and adaptable. Both the passenger front bucket seat and the 40-60 three-passenger rear seats fold forward and collapse to the floor to provide a flat load bed. To facilitate this, the headrests fold forward to stow between the seat back and cushion. In addition, the rear seats also flip rearward to stow in back, flush with the liftgate sill. This position provides for the highest possible vertical storage behind the front seats. When upright, the rear seats track rearwards to provide an additional 225 mm of legroom for rear seat passengers. Read More

VW Crossover Concept A combines sports car design with SUV elements

By Mike Hanlon

February 17, 2006 Volkswagen has revealed its latest design study, the Concept A, a crossover between a sports car and a compact SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle). The concept combines a sleek coupe-style silhouette with the raised stance of an SUV. The study shown in Berlin yesterday is powered by a 110 kW (150 hp) Twincharger (TSI), with power reachingthe wheels via a six gear transmission and an all wheel drive 4MOTION system. Studies such as this are allowed complete freedom though, and VW also suggested that the study might find its way into production (as VW concepts tend to do), powered by a turbo diesel direct fuel injection (TDI) motor or the FSI Turbo of the Golf GTI (147 kW / 200 hp). Read More

Peugeot debuts new 207, 207 Rcup sports concept car, and 307 CC Hybride diesel Hdi concept

By Mike Hanlon

February 16, 2006 At the 76th Geneva International Motor Show, the new Peugeot 207 will make its world premiere, and to emphasise the importance of 207, a stylish and sporty RCup concept model will be shown that is likely to be the design blueprint for a future Peugeot Sport competition programme. The 207 Rcup is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre 16v petrol engine producing 280bhp at 8,500rpm, with a 6-speed sequential gearbox and 18 inch alloy wheels. Also to be shown in Geneva is the 307 CC Hybride HDi diesel technology demonstrator, like the 307 HDi hatchback unveiled by PSA Peugeot Citroen in January. Read More

Rinspeed zaZen – vision of the future automobile unveiled

By Mike Hanlon

February 17, 2005 Rinspeed and Bayer MaterialScience have finally unveiled images and details of the car we previewed in December as “Automotive enlightenment on four wheels” - the jointly develop concept zaZen involves a number of revolutionary lighting techniques and a transparent hardtop and will be displayed to the public at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28, 2006. zaZen is the work of famous Swiss designer, Frank M. Rinderknecht, and it represents his vision of the car of the future. The vehicle was produced in cooperation with Bayer MaterialScience, one of the world's largest plastics producers. It also embraces a technical revolution in car manufacture, with the transparent backlite being turned into a luminous holographic area. As if from nowhere, the third brake light shines out of what looks like a floating transparent hardtop.

Rinspeed consistently produces innovative concept cars, but this time it has outdone itself. Read More

NISMO 350Z sports coupe – official factory performance parts create concept car

By Mike Hanlon

February 12, 2006 Nissan Motorsports International began life as Nissan’s motorsport arm two decades ago when the company’s Z-cars were experiencing remarkable success in racing, and creating a burgeoning aftermarket industry in their own right. In the high-tech cult of vehicle modification which grew inside Japan, Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) parts became recognised as the finest in factory-tuned performance components for Nissan street cars giving the name legendary status. NISMO entered the U.S. market in 2003 with a select number of performance-enhancing components for the Nissan Sentra SE-R and the 350Z and has since expanded its offerings to the Frontier, Xterra and Altima models. So successful has the move been that Nissan is now rolling out the NISMO brand globally, as evidenced by the stunning NISMO 350Z sports coupe presented at this week’s Melbourne International Motor Show. The “concept car” was created entirely from parts available over the counter at the dealer network. That's the concept car (bottom) and the NISMO carbon-fiber 350Z-based race car at top. Read More

The incredibly versatile Dodge Rampage Concept Vehicle

By Mike Hanlon

February 9, 2006 Bold, powerful and supremely versatile, the exquisitely-named Dodge Rampage concept vehicle was unveiled yesterday at the Chicago Motor Show and we think it’s a very exciting variation on the pickup truck theme. As the principal exterior designer of the Rampage said it, "this is a truck for the person who wants the functional aspects of a truck yet doesn’t want a traditional vehicle. The Rampage has the capability of a pickup without sacrificing occupant space." Read More

Hyundai Genus and Accent SR Turbo concepts

By Mike Hanlon

February 9, 2006 They’ve obviously been burning the midnight oil at Hyundai’s European design centre in Russelsheim, Germany, with the studio creating two new concept cars for debut at major international auto shows in the next few weeks. The centrepiece of Hyundai’s presentation at the Geneva Motor Show next month will be the Genus concept vehicle, a premium crossover model that combines the sporting dynamism of a coupe with the versatility of an estate car. Also from Russelsheim comes the phat and fast Accent SR Turbo, looking every inch a design study of the next Hyundai World Rally Car, mooted to debut mid 2007 for a tilt at the 2008 season. Accent SR will headline Hyundai’s display at the Melbourne International Motor Show this week. The Accent SR Turbo is based on the three-door hatch variant of the coming new generation MC Accent range, and has the purposeful look of a high performance small car with wide tracks front and rear, big flares framing outsize alloys, lowered sports suspension, body kit and big tailpipes. Read More

Renault Altica sporty estate concept car

By Mike Hanlon

February 4, 2006 Renault has taken the wraps off its latest concept car, Altica, a sporty estate car with a spacious interior. Described by Renault's Senior Vice President, Corporate Design, Patrick le Quement, as “a successful balance between flowing and sporty lines,” the Altica is designed to combine the practicality of an estate car, the sports appeal of a coupe and a high standard of travelling comfort. The interior of the car is where most of the advanced concepts are employed, with a suspended drive station held in place by four profiled rods that hint at the world of Formula 1. Similarly, the seats are fixed, and the drive station and pedal assembly adjust to match the driver's physique via a motorized mechanism. Altica's sports pedigree is reinforced by its scissor doors, the form of which ensures easy access to this low vehicle. Read More

Toyota mini SUV Urban Cruiser concept

By Mike Hanlon

February 4, 2006 Toyota is set to show a concept it is billing as an Urban Cruiser at this month’s Geneva Auto Show. The futuristic mini SUV is a design exercise by ED2, Toyota’s European design studio with the concept car drawing heavily on Toyota’s heritage in Sports Utility Vehicles but also adding its own dynamic flair and rugged originality. The Urban Cruiser will also feature a fresh interior style inspired by trendy furniture. Read More

Nissan Terranaut concept for explorers (with built-in computer console)

By Mike Hanlon

February 1, 2006 Nissan Europe will present a bold concept at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. The Nissan Terranaut is a 4x4 vehicle which is intended for explorers and those customers with a spirit of adventure who want to travel to the extreme corners of the globe. The Terranaut was conceived to serve as a mobile working environment for scientists, geologists, archaeologists or other adventurers who travel to the most challenging environments on the planet either for their work – or pleasure. Its cabin is designed to accommodate three people – a driver, a passenger and, in the rear, where a scientist or specialist is well served with a computer console, as well as communication and analysis equipment to support them in their work. Read More

Concept cars move to the forefront of collectables

By Mike Hanlon

January 27, 2006 Collecting rare automobiles has long been one of the more rewarding forms of investment as it has the added bonus of owning and driving a fine automobile while your asset appreciates. As the successful baby boomer generation begins to retire and cash in decades of endeavour, this appreciation of fine automobilia and the wonderful camaraderie which surrounds the collector scene is driving prices ever higher … and with it, a new star has emerged among automotive collectables - the concept car. Concept vehicles are vehicles with an instant and easily verifiable history – in the same way that cars owned by celebrities fetch a higher price, the concept car is usually created as a one-off, by a team of experts as a showcase of future technology (the first car with … electric windows, fuel injection, ad infinitum) and hence it has its own celebrity status, having been the focal point of massive media promotion at a major public event. Last week’s Barrett-Jackson Auction was a prime example – it attracted record attendance, broke numerous world records, had total sales of more than US$100 million and saw US $4,320,000 paid for a General Motors Futureliner concept bus, US$3,024,000 for a 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special concept car and US$648,000 for Shelby Cobra GT500 Concept car just nine months old. Read More

Victory Vision 800 Concept promises a new era for American motorcycles

By Mike Hanlon

January 24, 2006 Victory Motorcycles have traditionally crafted motorcycles of the big V-twin cruiser, Harleyesque genre, but the signs are beginning to point to a more diverse product range in the not-too-distant future. The boutique American motorcycle manufacturer is beginning to flex some of its parent company’s muscle and has released a concept motorcycle that is VERY different – a long-wheelbase, 800cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, parallel twin with a cast aluminium alloy frame, constantly variable transmission and radical yet arguably very practical styling. Given that parent company Polaris recently purchased a 24% share in Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM, don’t be surprised to see a serious new player in international motorcycle markets before the turn of the decade. Read More

New MINI production model announced - inspired by Traveller Concept

By Mike Hanlon

January 12, 2006 BMW will be enhancing the MINI family with a further model. The new MINI model will offer increased interior space and increased functionality in order to appeal to the distinctively experience-oriented and active MINI customer. The new car will take its inspiration from the MINI Detroit design concept shown at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) this week. Although it has yet to be defined which of the unique ideas and design features presented on the concept will be implemented for series production, Dr. Michael Ganal in his speech at the NAIAS stated a time frame of three years for the realization of the new MINI model. Read More

Mitsubishi unveils hybrid MIEV 4WD sport compact concept

By Mike Hanlon

January 10, 2006 Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) used the NAIAS to unveil the Concept-CT yesterday, a groundbreaking concept for a hybrid-powered small car that may influence future development of Mitsubishi models. The key to the Concept-CT's roomy packaging, performance potential and fuel efficiency is the Mitsubishi In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybrid powertrain, which employs an electric motor in each of the vehicle's four wheels. The ultra-compact four-door hatchback combines practicality, fun-to-drive performance and low fuel consumption. Read More

Chrysler Imperial Concept – flagship material

By Mike Hanlon

January 9, 2006 Like the great Imperials of Chrysler’s storied past, the 2006 Imperial concept vehicle is designed as Chrysler’s flagship, a luxury sedan that is elegant, provocative, aspirational, yet attainable. For inspiration, the designers looked not only to the classic Imperials of the 1930s and 1950s but also to Chrysler’s long tradition of creative concept cars, from the earlier Chrysler d’Elegance and Falcon to the more recent Chrysler Chronos and Firepower. This rich heritage is expressed in the crisp line that parallels the sill, then arches up over the rear wheel and flows to the rear of the car, signaling that this is a powerful rear-drive automobile. Read More

Kabura Concept: Sports Coupe with innovative 3+1 layout

By Mike Hanlon

January 8, 2006 Research shows Mazda has one of the youngest new-car buyer groups (average age 41 years) in North America. Based on this research, the latest Mazda concept car is designed to enhance its appeal to Generation-Y buyers, who are several steps ahead of the latest trends and constantly on the lookout for affordable possessions that satisfy their hunger for stylish, insightful and spirited designs. The Kabura design concept ventures beyond the compact sports coupe norm to support youthful lifestyles and explore several fresh ideas that could appear in future production models, with one of the most interesting aspects being the interior versatility. Replacing the typical 2+2 layout is a clever 3+1 arrangement which establishes a new interior concept giving greater passenger comfort versus a traditional coupe without increasing weight or size. Obliging spur-of-the-moment adventures and shopping sprees, all passenger seats fold flat to make way for snow boards, shopping bags and all the tools of an active life. Read More

Infiniti Debuts Coupe Concept

By Mike Hanlon

January 8, 2006 Infiniti today unveiled a dramatic new concept vehicle, the Infiniti Coupe Concept, at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. Among the Coupe Concept’s exterior design features are a full-length glass panel roof, modulated front fenders and hood, deep front spoiler and large projector headlights, polished bare metal-look paint, compact camera outside rearview mirrors, hidden door handles and large 20-inch, 9-spoke painted aluminum-alloy wheels. Read More

Ford's V10 Super Chief concept runs on hydrogen, ethanol or gasoline

By Mike Hanlon

January 8, 2006 – The Ford F-250 Super Chief concept uses what the company calls "Tri-Flex fueling", enabling the supercharged V-10 to run for 500 miles between fill-ups on hydrogen, E85 ethanol or gasoline. The tri-fuel flexibility is one possible innovation by Ford to help pave the way for hydrogen vehicles, as the nation's ethanol and hydrogen fueling infrastructure continues to develop. The concept truck and its name are inspired by the bold, American Super Chief trains of the nation's past. Super Chief is Ford's most advanced, well-appointed pickup ever – designed to build on the standard for interior excellence established by the new F-150. Read More

Dodge Challenger Concept is a thoroughbred in 1970 “Pony Car” tradition

By Mike Hanlon

January 8, 2006 As with all pleasurable memories, you remember the good and screen out the bad. In creating the Dodge Challenger concept car, the designers at Chrysler Group’s West Coast Pacifica Studio knew they had a rich heritage to draw upon. “Challenger draws upon the initial 1970 model as the icon of the series,” said Tom Tremont, Chrysler’s Vice President- Advanced Vehicle Design. “The 1970 model is the most sought after by collectors. But instead of merely recreating that car, the designers endeavored to build a Challenger most people see in their mind’s eye—a vehicle without the imperfections like the old car’s tucked-under wheels, long front overhang and imperfect fits. Read More

Ford's diesel-electric hybrid Reflex Concept features solar panelling

By Mike Hanlon

January 8, 2006 Concept cars are designed to showcase technological capability and to test market opinion. As such, the Ford Reflex concept car shown to the media for the first time today scores maximum points on both counts. The subcompact-sized Reflex is a technological showcase with its advanced diesel-electric hybrid engine, a liberal sprinkling of solar panels and advanced safety features as inflatable safety belts. More importantly, the advanced diesel-electric hybrid engine and new-generation lithium-ion batteries help deliver up to 65 miles per gallon, offering guilt free performance. Read More

Hyundai NEOS 3 Crossover concept and technology showcase

By Mike Hanlon

January 7, 2006 The 2006 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show offers an opportunity to peek into Hyundai’s future in the form of the NEOS 3 Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) concept. The CUV is the third in a signature series of futuristic concept cars to be styled at the company’s Chiba Design Center in Korea. The NEOS 3 offers the utility of a 4WD, but thanks to its unibody construction and opulent appointments, it retains the feel of a luxury sedan. Scratch the surface and you’ll find an array of remarkable technology including side mirrors that auto-dip in reverse gear to improve downward visibility, pre-crash sensors and proximity control using Extended High Frequency radar, an infrared night vision system, a Heads-Up Display and a trackball that offer centralized control of the climate regulation, navigation and entertainment systems. Read More