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Concept Cars
Hyundai HCD9 Talus concept - a new direction in sports car design
By Mike Hanlon
January 8, 2006 Hyundai Motor America’s stand at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit will today see the world debut of the new HCD9 Talus concept, a car which the company describes as for the person who “has grown accustomed to the needs and benefits of an SUV, but desires the emotional gratification of sports car styling and performance." Read More
Kia bears its soul concept car
By Mike Hanlon
January 6, 2005 Kia today unveiled the all-new Soul concept car during a press conference at the North American International Auto Show (N.A.I.A.S) in Detroit. The Kia Soul concept is a crossover utility vehicle (C.U.T) with a sporty, bold look that builds on design cues from the Kia Mesa concept vehicle introduced at the 2005 N.A.I.A.S. Read More
Lamborghini Miura Concept launch
By Mike Hanlon
January 8, 2006 The House of the Raging Bull has reprised the legendary name and beautiful shape of the Muira with the introduction of a Lamborghini Miura concept car. The daring design study dubbed the "Miura Concept" was secretly unveiled at the Museum of Television & Radio in Beverly Hills, California to an elite group of auto industry insiders and car enthusiasts last Thursday evening. Arguably the most beautiful car ever created and long considered company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini's favorite Lamborghini of all-time, the new Miura Concept brings back the legendary Miura name on the eve of the car's 40th Anniversary. The original Miura quickly became one of the hottest cars of its day with a long list of past and current celebrity owners like movie star Nicholas Cage, Tonight Show Host Jay Leno, rock star legends Elton John and Rod Stewart, and Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, the epitome of cool from The Rat Pack. The new concept penned by Lamborghini design head Walter de'Silva brings back the sensuous styling of the original Miura that raised the benchmark in supercar design and instantly won the admiration of car enthusiasts worldwide. Read More
Aston Martin’s “practical” exotic, four-seater sports car concept
By Mike Hanlon
January 12, 2006 Exotic four seater sportscars have not exactly been plentiful in the history of automotive evolution, though there’s a definite trend towards four berths in recent times with the Maserati Quattroporte, Porsche Panamera and now Aston Martin has shown a 4-seat concept car at the 2006 Detroit Motorshow. To be known as the Rapide, the 6.0-liter V12, 480 hp coupe is the work of Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman, in conjunction with CEO Dr Ulrich Bez. P The Aston Martin Rapide concept is a four-door, high performance coupé of remarkable grace and poise. Based on Aston Martin's unique VH (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture, the Rapide combines the company's commitment to power, beauty and soul with space and practicality for every eventuality. It stands for stylistic excellence, market innovation and flexible manufacturing. The Rapide is the epitome of Aston Martin’s low-volume, high-technology approach, the synergy of modern methods and materials with traditional skills to create a new form of craftsmanship for the 21st century. Read More
Volvo's sporty C30 two-door concept
By Mike Hanlon
January 4, 2006 Volvo is revealing a sporty two-door concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 9 January, which gives a strong indication of the design of an exciting, new smaller Volvo C30 model it will launch at the Paris Motor Show in September. The C30 Design Concept has a compact, sporty design with two doors, four individual seats and a distinctive glass tailgate. It is capable of 0-62mph in six seconds thanks to a high performance 260bhp, five-cylinder, 2.4-litre engine producing 350Nm of torque for plenty of flexibility from 2,100rpm. Read More
EDAG shows three new concept cars on two continents
By Mike Hanlon
January 3, 2005 One of the problems facing a company as diverse and international as automotive design and manufacturing consultants EDAG Engineering + Design AG, is which major automotive exhibitions it should miss. EDAG is not a household name in the automotive sense, but it is a name which is fast growing in importance inside automotive manufacturers worldwide and hence when two of its most important flag-waving exercises occurred simultaneously, it simply upped the ante and will show three new automotive concepts at the same time at the Auto-Expo in New Delhi (India) and the Detroit Motor Show (USA) next week. At the NAIAS in Detroit, EDAG will exhibit two show cars - a hardtop version of the Pontiac Solstice and an extravagant, extroverted and high-priced SUV 2005 concept. Meanwhile, at Auto-Expo 2006 in New Delhi, EDAG will be presenting the “EDAG Show Car No. 8” as a symbol for the EDAG philosophy of “networked engineering” of product and production. Read More
BMW unveils the turbosteamer concept
By Mike Hanlon
A large percentage of the energy released when petroleum is burned disappears out the exhaust system as heat. This has always been the case but the amount of energy released looks set to be cut by more than 80% thanks to a new system devised by BMW. BMW’s announcement of the new technology is somewhat of a technological bombshell as it adds yet another form of hybrid automobile – a turbosteamer. The concept uses energy from the exhaust gasses of the traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to power a steam engine which also contributes power to the automobile – an overall 15 per cent improvement for the combined drive system. Even bigger news is that the drive has been designed so that it can be installed in existing model series – meaning that every model in the BMW range could become 15% more efficient overnight if the company chose to make the reduced consumption accessible to as many people as possible. Read More
Mitsubishi 2007 Eclipse Spyder and Concept-CT MIEV
By Mike Hanlon
December 7, 2005 It’s show-and-tell-time for the big automotive manufacturers who are preparing for the upcoming 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January. Mitsubishi will unveil two world premieres - the 2007 Eclipse Spyder and the Concept-CT MIEV. The '07 Spyder will further develop the theme of an affordable 2 + 2 exotic convertible - a powerful MIVEC engine, 650-watt audio system, and a few other surprise features usually reserved for high-priced convertibles and cabriolets. The Concept-CT's inspiration was to create a "city-technology" model and will feature a hybrid powertrain with Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electronic Vehicle (MIEV) technology. As usual, sketches will be shown now and photos towards the end of this month. Read More
FIAT shows new macho off-roader concept based on military vehicle
By Mike Hanlon
December 2, 2005 Fiat dropped a bombshell yesterday at Italy's biggest motoring event, the Bologna Motor Show, by showing an off-road vehicle that looks to be aimed squarely at the Hummer. The Oltre Fiat is a massive - its nearly five metres long and over two metres tall with a two tonne payload - go absolutely anywhere, anytime vehicle features what the Italians call "exuberant styling" and what anyone on the West Coast of the USA would call serious Bling, is more much more than possible evidence that Fiat has decided it wants to supply Arnold Schwarzenegger's next car. Like the Hummer, it has military credentials, being based on the Iveco Light Multi-role vehicle, the new military off-road vehicle that embodies cutting edge technical features and has won the FCLV (Future Command and Liaison Vehicle) contract for the British Army. Read More
The SeaLegs Anaconda Amphibious Concept
By Mike Hanlon
December 2, 2005 With the vast majority of the world’s population living very close to the water, amphibious vehicles make loads of sense – which means we love amphibious vehicles at Gizmag, having previously reported on the original launch of Sealegs, the Gibbs Aquada Sportcar, the Gibbs Humdinga 4WD amphibian, the Platypus 4WD amphibian, the Rinspeed Splash, the Phibicat,the world’s only mass production amphibian, the Amphicar. More recently, we’ve written about the Sealegs rugged aluminium amphibious craft which which halved Sir Richard Branson's English Channel record set in an Aquada in June. Interestingly, the country where most amphibious innovation is occuring is New Zealand, home of both Gibbs and SeaLegs and one of the most interesting tertiary courses in the world – Massey University’s Bachelor of Design in Transport Design. Our latest amphibian is a concept craft created by a graduate of Massey Designs Marine Transport Course, Matt Gibson. This year Matt’s final year project was sponsored by Sealegs International and the aim was to develop a futuristic amphibious craft, which eventually took shape as the “Anaconda” pictured here. Read More
Citroen's super-mini concept - the C-AirPlay
By Mike Hanlon
December 3, 2005 Citroen premiered the C-AirPlay two-seater concept car, at the opening of this year’s Bologna Motor Show in Italy yesterday. Masterminded by Citroen’s award-winning British car designer, Mark Lloyd, the futuristic urban run-around features a bold, dynamic exterior look, as well as plenty of ultra-modern styling cues. Inside and out the C-AirPlay introduces striking design touches, including see-through ‘portholes’ in the lower sections of the doors to increase the sensation of speed. Discreet, touch-sensitive controls for the gears, electric windows and rearview mirror are moulded into the single-piece silicone front seat, whilst the eye-catching steering wheel incorporates two spherical driver information displays. Read More
Ford 4-trac pick-up concept
By Mike Hanlon
November 28, 2005 Ford has premiered an interesting concept pick-up truck at the Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok. The concept, dubbed 4-Trac, is a dynamic package that explores practical functionality, lifestyle and sporty uses for Ford pick-up trucks of the future. The concept takes a typical pick-up truck and adds a lot more sophistication, style and purpose. It’s a workhorse that offers off-road capability, rugged features and durable aluminum surfaces. At the same time, owners will be proud to use it as stylish transport for their active families and leisure time. The rear cargo area features six portable containers – inspired by offshore rescue boats – for carrying a variety of gear, including rescue equipment. Another innovative feature adding to 4-Trac versatility is a rear hatch that enables access from the cargo area directly into the cabin. Read More
Holden shows wild Hot Rod concept
By Mike Hanlon
The FJ Holden is an Australian icon – Australian designed and built, the Australian public identified with the car and it remains as an instantly recognisable and much loved symbol of Australia during its most prosperous period. As the runaway best seller of the fifities, a goodly proportion of Australia’s population either owned one or was conceived in one. Now the car has been reprised by Holden in a wild 21st Century hot rod concept unveiled today at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. Known as the EFIJY (an effigy is a stylistic representation of someone or something famous) is a radical pillarless custom coupe boasting a supercharged six-litre V8 engine, a Chevrolet Corvette underbody and state-of-the-art automotive technology throughout. Read More
Toyota's i-swing personal mobility concept
By Mike Hanlon
October 25, 2005 Toyota debuted its i-swing mobility concept at the Tokyo Show today, arousing massive public interest. Toyota's i-swing is a new personal mobility vehicle in the same vein as the personal mobility models (such as the PM , i-unit and I-foot ) Toyota has exhibited previously but one that takes the concept several steps further, with the capability of operating in a similar manner to the Segway in two wheeled mode at walking pace on a footpath so it takes up little space, or transform to a three-wheeled mode for road speeds. In addition to the joystick control, the i-swing can be controlled by body weight movements with a feeling reportedly like turning as if on snow skis. The i-swing concept proposes using Artificial Intelligence to enable it to learn the habits and preferences of users. Read More
New Honda concepts include a dog-friendly car, a premium fuel cell sedan and a four seater sports car
By Mike Hanlon
October 6, 2005 The Tokyo Motor Show is home ground for the Japanese manufacturers and Honda has indicated its intention to create a massive impression of technological progress at this year’s show due to open in a fortnight. The Concept Vehicle Zone will showcase some new ideas in concept vehicles such as the next-generation, 4-door Sports 4 Concept, designed to make sure everyone in the vehicle shares the exhilaration of the drive; the W.O.W Concept, which offers a more enjoyable, dog-friendly mobile lifestyle; and the FCX Concept, a next-generation premium fuel-cell sedan featuring advanced intelligent technologies, a low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform and a full-sized cabin. Read More
Akino Concept - luxury, unconventional, compact people mover
By Mike Hanlon
October 5, 2005 Chrysler has released more details of the Akino Concept it plans to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. The original sketches of the vehicle were covered here, but with more detail and imagery now available, it’s worth another look as the car is seeking to push the boundaries of conventional thinking. The Akino was designed with a small super-efficient powertrain to enable the designer freedom to create a new solution for future transportation and the result is a compact car with a roomy and unconventional luxury interior – it has a single door on the driver side, and two doors on the passenger side that open in opposite directions, allowing the interior to have a booth-like rear seat with a swiveling passenger seat. Read More
Nissan Tiida Sport Concept
By Mike Hanlon
October 3, 2005 The Nissan Tiida Sport Concept is the latest in a series of dynamic performance/youth concept vehicles including the Nissan Actic and Nissan AZEAL concepts produced by the company. The Tiida Sport Concept is a dynamic three-door hatchback with a dramatic four-seat interior. It offers the look and feel of a sports-tuned car, yet is conceived as an affordable, attainable vehicle for buyers entering the new car market for the first time. Read More
Nissan Pivo Concept Car
By Mike Hanlon
October 24, 2005 One of the stars of the 2005 Tokyo Show, the Nissan Pivo concept car is an electric car with unique revolving cabin, compact packaging, multiple drive-by-wire systems and excellent visibility. The Pivo concept car examines the potential of future electric vehicles. The Pivo's most distinctive feature is its cabin that revolves 360 degrees, eliminating the need to reverse. A compact body also makes the car exceptionally easy to maneuver. Excellent visibility is enhanced by Nissan’s Around View technology, which helps reduce dangerous blind spots. The navigation and audio systems are simple to operate while driving. These features are supported by Nissan’s innovative environment-friendly technologies such as the Compact Lithium-ion Battery. Read More
Akino Concept Vehicle
By Mike Hanlon
September 21, 2005 The unique and artistically sculptured appearance of the Chrysler Akino concept and its one-box, compact size certainly turns heads. However, after the fifth person settles comfortably into vehicle, one clearly gets the idea there is more to this concept than meets the eye. The Akino will take pride of place in the Chrysler display at this year's Tokyo Motor Show. Read More
MILA Concept car: single seater for the road powered by natural gas
By Mike Hanlon
September 20, 2005 Magna Steyr has unveiled a new concept vehicle at the IAA 2005. Called the "MILA Concept" (Magna Innovation Lightweight Auto), the single-seater sports car has a mid-engine and rear-wheel drive and is packed with ideas and innovations. The MILA’s technical highlights include an cco-friendly engine that runs on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and thanks to the extremely lightweight monocoque construction, offers extremely sporty performance. Given Magna Steyr’s automotive production expertise, the car has been designed using modular design principles that enable different models to be built (single or two-seater, normal or high-power engine, etc.) without much extra effort, as the components and modules have been developed in advance and optimised in terms of cost and weight. Magna Steyr is confident that natural gas will gain more and more ground as an alternative fuel for road vehicles in the future. A study by the German Automotive Industry Association published in Frankfurt recently came to the conclusion that in Germany alone some two million natural gas vehicles will be licensed in the next 15 years. According to the study, natural gas vehicles could reach a market share of around 4% by the year 2020. Read More
Two new hybrid drive concepts from Mercedes Benz
By Mike Hanlon
September 14, 2005 At the International Motor Show (IAA) 2005 in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz yesterday unveiled the “DIRECT HYBRID” and the “BLUETEC HYBRID,” two groundbreaking concept cars. Using the new S-Class as an example, the company is exhibiting unique designs for yet again markedly improving fuel consumption and emissions in the near future — while preserving high dynamic ride comfort. The focus is on combining optimised petrol and diesel engines with a hybrid system and with ultra-modern exhaust gas purification. Read More
Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass concepts
By Mike Hanlon
September 13, 2005 Jeep designers have gone to the extreme once again, creating two all-new sport-utility-vehicle (SUV) concepts that could expand the Jeep brand into new territory. The Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass concepts are compact Jeep four-wheel-drives that would deliver fun, freedom, utility, capability, as well as the potential for exceptional fuel economy and interior flexibility — all at a great value. Making their debut at the 2005 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, these concepts hint at two future compact SUVs that the Jeep brand could build for global markets as soon as next year. Read More
BMW Z4 Coupe Concept Car
By Mike Hanlon
September 13, 2005 The Frankfurt Motor Show began yesterday and despite months of previews and first glimpses of the production debuts and concept releases, there were still a few show cars we hadn’t seen. One of the highest profile surprises of the day was from BMW, which re-ignited a passion for closed-roof sportscars with its show-stopping Z4 Coupe Concept Car. Based around the architecture of the fast-paced BMW Roadster, the sleek and eye-catching two-seater delivers the first ever look at a fixed roof Z4. Read More
Mini Wagon Concept surfaces
By Mike Hanlon
September 13, 2005 Forty-five years after the launch of the Mini Traveller (wagon) in September 1960, MINI has unveiled a new MINI wagon concept at the Frankfurt motor show. The MINI Concept Frankfurt is the first MINI design study since the launch of the MINI brand at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997 and it re-interprets the feel of the original British-built Traveller via a new concept of “Travelling in Style” for the 21st century. The MINI Concept Frankfurt is packed with innovation inside and out. Its coupe-like profile and wide-opening doors feature intelligent parallelogram hinge mechanisms. Read More
Ford's iosis concept - four door gullwing
By Mike Hanlon
August 31, 2005 – Ford has unveiled the striking iosis concept car – a vehicle that defines an exciting new design direction for Ford of Europe. Building on the style of the Ford SAV Concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, iosis demonstrates Ford's new 'kinetic design' philosophy. The car will debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. "iosis is more than just a show car, it is sending a message about how Ford of Europe's future design will be defined,” says Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's Executive Design Director. "It sends a bold message because our future products will be bold." Read More
matthew.rings
- November 9, 2009 @ 01:28 UTC
