A luxurious four-seat sporting GT envisioned by VW Group-owned ItalDesign Giugiaro is this Brivido (meaning “thrill” in Italian). The car is almost five meters long and was designed by Giugiaro, the same company that was responsible for the styling of the Scirocco and the original Golf.
At the heart of this concept is a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine linked to an electric motor and an 8-speed automatic gearbox, managing to deliver 355 hp and 339 lb.-ft of torque. This RWD concept needs only 5.8 seconds for doing the 0-62 mph sprint, on its way to a top speed of 171 mph. the ItalDesign Brivido has CO2 emissions of 154 g/km.
This is a vehicle that measures 4980 mm long, 1298 mm high and 1960 mm wide, while its wheelbase is of 2910 mm long. It has been fitted as you can see with cool gullwing doors that offer an easy cabin access for both front & rear passengers. The developers of this concept have used a lot of glass for forming a “glass dome” that manages to increase visibility.
We also notice LED light clusters, cameras instead of the usual side mirrors which display images on the steering column’s top. Other than that, the ItalDesign Brivido rides on massive 21-inch alloys and the engineers have used a lot of carbon fiber for both the front and rear of the vehicle. Inside the cabin it packs an iPad docking station as well as two LCD screens from where the driver will have access to all of the important functions of the vehicle.
Source: ItalDesign Giugiaro via Autocar
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, geneva-motor-show, italdesign, ItalDesign Brivido, motor shows
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One of the many concepts introduced at the 82nd edition of the Geneva Motor Show was this Volkswagen Cross Coupe which is an SUV that previews the upcoming new generation of the Tiguan. It benefits from an advanced 4WD system that showcases the all-new plug-in diesel-electric hybrid system that the German carmaker is working on for a lineup of upcoming frugal production vehicles.
The VW Cross Coupe concept has a curb weight of 1858kg and manages to return 157 mpg UK and has CO2 emissions of just 46g/km. The car develops no less than 380 hp and can hit a top speed of 137 mph. It offers a range of up to 800 miles.
This would have to be the second version of the concept, as the first one was shown at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show which came with a gasoline-hybrid system. The new version connects a 187 hp version of the company’s new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder common-rail EA288 diesel with a couple of electric motors. One of these motors is installed up front and it can deliver 54 hp to the front wheels while the other motor is located at the back and has 114 hp for driving the rear wheels. These two electric motors are driven by the 9.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The top speed that the Volkswagen Cross Coupe concept can achieve in electric mode is of 80 mph and it can be driven for up to 28 miles in this mode. There is a switch installed on the center console of the vehicle which allows the driver to change between electric and hybrid drive modes. When running in electric mode, there is a clutch which will be opened in order to disengage the diesel power unit, thus diminishing mechanical drag. This diesel engine will start to top out the battery in the event in which additional battery charge is necessary for powering those two electric motors we’ve mentioned.
Source: Volkswagen
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, geneva-motor-show, motor shows, volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept, VW Cross Coupe Concept
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Hyundai i-oniq goes official at Geneva Motor Show
The Korean automaker Hyundai has introduced this month at the Geneva Motor Show the i-oniq concept which is an electric sports hatchback that comes with a range-extending gasoline engine and has been developed in order to showcase the company’s new design thinking and technology.
The vehicle is motivated by a 3-cylinder, 1.0-liter gasoline engine linked via a generator to a lithium-ion electric motor that pumps out 108 hp. When driving the car in electric mode, it should be able offer a range of up to 75 miles (120 km) while with the gasoline engine this range is extended up to 435 miles (700 km). This Hyundai i-oniq has CO2 emissions standing at 45 g/km.
The concept measures 4.4 meters long and it is an evolution of the company’s fluidic sculpture design, featuring LED headlights and a “penthouse roof”. The vehicle is able to seat four people in a driver-focused cabin where there are high-tech controls and a modern interface. The car’s passengers can take advantage of the lounge-style space that has sculpted surfaces which have been inspired by musical instruments.
The Hyundai i-oniq has been designed and developed at the company’s European research & development center located in Russelsheim, Germany.
Source: Hyundai
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, geneva-motor-show, Hyundai, hyundai i-oniq, motor shows
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This month at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, Ford has introduced the Tourneo Custom concept which comes with a bunch of new features that we haven’t seen from Ford in this segment, like the voice-activated SYNC in-car connectivity system, multi-adjustable and removable rear seating, along with systems like driver alert, lane departure and a rear-view camera.
Under the hood of this concept is a 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine that pumps out 153 hp. That power is sent to the front wheels, and the vehicle is based on the company’s new global platform which will be used for the new generation of the Transit which is scheduled to be revealed next month.
The engines of the new model will include a 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel that as standard will benefit from the stop/start technology. This engine is going to be available in three configurations: with 99 hp, 124 hp and a more powerful 153 hp configuration. All these three engines will be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox which will send the power to the front axle.
The new generation of the Ford Transit is going to be offered with two wheelbases. The Transit and Tourneo panel vans are going to be manufactured in Turkey, while the units which will have a bare rear chassis are going to be produced at Southampton.
Source: Ford
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, Ford, ford tourneo ustom, ford transit, ford transit tourneo, geneva-motor-show, motor shows
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We’ve seen this car in 2011 at the Tokyo Motor Show but now the Takeri has been unveiled on European territory at the Geneva Motor Show. The Japanese automaker Mazda developed this sleek and gorgeous concept as a preview for the new generation of the 6 model which is scheduled to go on sale in 2013. The production version will have different wheels, door handles and wing mirrors; other than that it will be the same as the one you see in these photos.
This superb concept features the company’s Kodo – Soul of Motion design language that we already seen on another attractive vehicle, the CX-5. The new Mazda6 is going to have a considerably bolder look in comparison to the current generation, featuring crisper lines, technical headlights, a more distinctive finish of the front grille and also a more coupe-like profile.
The new model is going to benefit from the entire suite of SkyActiv technologies that consists of efficient gasoline and diesel power units, compact & lightweight manual and automatic gearboxes, a new modular steel platform and also new suspension systems. When the production version will come out, it will be the first model from Mazda which will come with its own regenerative braking system called Intelligent Energy Loop. This system is capable of using a unique solution that is able to convert the kinetic energy to electricity when the car is decelerating and this energy is stored in an electric double-layer capacitor.
The power which will be stored thanks to this process is going to be used in order to run the electric components of the Mazda6, which means that the load on the power unit will be considerably reduced, while the fuel economy will be raised by approximately 10%. Inside it will adopt a minimalistic look with a four-seat driver-focused cabin. Instead of the usual controls it comes with a rotary controller which looks like the BMW i-Drive.
The concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show has an all-new SkyActiv-D 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine that produces 173 hp and a maximum torque of 310 lb.-ft. This is a low-friction, lightweight power unit that has the lowest compression ratio of all diesel engines produced so far and benefits from the regenerative braking and stop/start systems, allowing to provide an “excellent” fuel economy and CO2 emissions of only 104 g/km. This clean and frugal engine is linked to Mazda’s new convertor automatic gearbox that manages to be just as efficient as a manual transmission.
Source: Mazda
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, geneva-motor-show, Mazda, mazda takeri, motor shows
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Range Rover Evoque Convertible
I’ve always liked the looks and style of the Range Rover Evoque but the idea of a convertible SUV is just ridiculous, but at least it is better than the hideous Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. Anyway, Land Rover has introduced the concept at the Geneva Motor Show and in the next few months it will analyze whether they will put the model into production. The idea behind this concept is to figure out if there is a market for such a car, a method that Land Rover used before when they developed the DC100 concepts which could form the foundation of the new Defender.
Range Rover Evoque Convertible
The convertible version of the Range Rover Evoque could be 2WD or 4WD and either gasoline- or diesel-powered. According to the engineers from Land Rover, about 75kg of strengthening is necessary in comparison to the hard-top sibling which as you probably know is a huge success for the British automaker.
Range Rover Evoque Convertible
If the car will get the green light for production, Land Rover is going to spend two years for engineering the car before they will be able to actually sell this model. Most likely, the car will be manufactured at the company’s Halewood factory. The regular Evoque has been sold so far in approximately 50,000 units and the company has already got orders for another 60,000 cars so this convertible version might boost sales even further.
Range Rover Evoque Convertible
The concept shown at the event in Switzerland has a fully retractable roof system and can seat four people. It also benefits from a roll-over protection system while inside the cabin it has a lot of goodies, such as an 8-inch dual touchscreen display, surround cameras, Terrain Response, Meridian sound system and others as well. It rides on 21-inch alloys and comes in a metallic Causeway Grey paint.
Range Rover Evoque Convertible
If this drop-top version of the Range Rover Evoque will be produced, it will cost approximately 10-15% more than the 3-door hard-top version so it will carry a price tag of approximately 30,795 pounds in today’s money.
Source: Land Rover via Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, geneva-motor-show, Land Rover, land rover range rover, land rover range rover evoque, land rover range rover evoque convertible, motor shows, Range Rover, range rover evoque, range rover evoque convertible
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Earlier this week Peugeot released a teaser for the 208 GTi Concept, and now we have a new batch of photos and official details about the hot hatch which is scheduled to make its official debut on March 6th at the Geneva Motor Show.
Under the hood of the 208 GTi is a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that pumps out 197 hp (200 PS / 147 kW) and 203 lb.-ft (275 Nm). If these figures sound familiar, you should know that Peugeot borrowed this engine from the sexy RCZ THP 200. It is linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox which enables the car do to the 0-62 mph sprint in less than 7 seconds.
Compared to the standard version, this hotter GTi edition brings some mild updates like the sill skirt extensions, lower bodywork spoilers and a brushed aluminum “GTi Concept” logo sitting on the grille as well as on the quarter panels. Inside the cabin of the Peugeot 208 GTi Concept we find LED backlighting and a flat bottomed steering wheel wrapped around in perforated leather.
Even though that this is a concept, most likely the production version will be announced soon after Geneva and it will probably look a lot like this concept.
Source: Peugeot via WCF
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, Peugeot, peugeot 208, peugeot 208 gti
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Peugeot 208 XY Concept announced, can change its color!
This year’s edition of the Geneva Motor Show will be organized next month when the French automaker Peugeot will be bringing its 208 range. Aside from the already known 3- and 5-door hatchbacks, the company will also be bringing the 208 GTi Concept and this 208 XY Concept.
Peugeot considers this as an urban chic vehicle that is wearing a unique “Pulsion” livery which can change its color depending on how close you are sitting near the car. They managed to do this by applying no less than 16 coats of paint and lacquer. Aside from this cool paint, the Peugeot 208 XY Concept is riding on dual effect 18-inch alloys as well as a panoramic glass roof.
The concept is powered by a 1.6-liter e-HDI engine that is capable of producing 115 hp and is linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Source: Peugeot
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, Peugeot, peugeot 208, peugeot 208 xy concept
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Chevrolet Code 130R
This year at the Detroit Motor Show, General Motors brought two Chevrolet sports coupe concepts that offer seating for four while staying on a strict budget. Both concepts were developed based on the feedback that GM received from young consumers in the U.S. in 2011.
Chevrolet Code 130R
The first one wears the name Code 130R which even though looks like its wearing a Corvette face and Camaro tail lamps, its size, proportions and the profile remind us of the BMW 1-Series Coupe but considerably more attractive.
Chevrolet Code 130R
Wearing a red metallic paint with matte anodized rims, the car can be considered as a classic GT and it comes with a rear-wheel drive system and a front-mounted engine. It is motivated by a 1.4-liter Turbo Ecotec engine that features the eAssist micro-hybrid technology developed by General Motors for reducing CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
Chevrolet Tru 140S
The second concept unveiled at NAIAS this year is the Tru 140S which is a more modern take on a small sports coupe. It has a 1.4-liter Turbo Ecotec power unit and features eAssist with a FWD configuration.
Chevrolet Tru 140S
According to GM, this engine can produce approximately 150 hp and is capable of returing 40 mpg on both concepts. If these concepts will see the light of day, their price will be “in the low $20,000s”.
Chevrolet Tru 140S
Source: General Motors
Post tags: Tags: Chevrolet, chevrolet code 130r, chevrolet Tru 140S, Concepts, detroit motor show, motor shows, naias
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Acura NSX
The Japanese automaker Acura has introduced this year at the Detroit Motor Show yet another concept of the NSX. Honda/Acura have come up with a bunch of concepts over the last few years for a replacement of the legendary NSX that was manufactured between 1990 and 2005.None of these concepts got the green light for production but Acura said that the latest one will see the light of the day within the next three years.
Acura NSX
Acura says that the new generation of the NSX will be developed by an engineering team led by Honda R&D Americas, and it will be manufactured in Ohio but we don’t know the name of the facility where this will happen. Just like the original model, this NSX concept has a mid-mounted V6 naturally aspirated engine that benefits from Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD hybrid system that has not one, but three electric motors. For those of you that don’t know, SH-AWD stands for Super Handling All Wheel Drive.
Acura NSX
This new VTEC V6 engine benefits from direct injection and is mated to a dual clutch gearbox that has a built-in electric motor. Aside from this, there is a two-motor electric-drive unit that is capable of providing torque to the wheels in the front during cornering in order to improve the NSX’s handling. As you would expect, this NSX concept features a lot of lightweight materials to keep the weight of the car as down as possible.
Acura NSX
Source: Acura
Post tags: Tags: Acura, acura nsx, Concepts, detroit motor show, Honda, honda nsx, naias
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Audi Q3 Vail
The Ingolstadt-based automaker Audi has brought to this year’s edition of the NAIAS a winter-themed version of the Q3. The company said that the Q3 Vail is a “potential variation on the SUV concept” and has been developed for those customers who like snowboarding and skiing.
Audi Q3 Vail
This concept got its name from the famous winter sports event that is organized in the U.S. Under its hood there’s a 5-cylinder 2.5-liter TFSI power unit that pumps out 314 hp (231 kW) and a peak torque of 295 lb.-ft (400 Nm). This engine is linked to a 7-speed S tronic gearbox which enables the concept to do the 0-62 mph sprint in 5.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 162 mph (262 km/h).
Audi Q3 Vail
Some of the car’s special features include the bespoke Energy Red paint that has golden pearlescent particles, while some of the car’s parts are finished in a matt grey quartz-based paint. Other parts of the Q3 Vail wear a high gloss black finish or are manufactured from aluminum. The car comes with wider fenders, a bespoke front grille, along with aluminum rails that have built-in LED lights.
Audi Q3 Vail
The Audi Q3 Vail is riding on 8.5 J x 20 alloys that are wrapped around in 255/45 off-road tires. Both front and rear tracks of the concept are 1.57 inches (40 mm) wider in comparison to the ones of the standard model, while the ride height has been increased by 1.18 inches (30 mm). Other modifications include a specially designed exhaust system that has tailpipes which are integrated in the rear diffuser.
Audi Q3 Vail
Inside the cabin Audi installed Alcantara and leather upholstery, a bunch of aluminum trim parts and red velvet accents. The car’s MMI system is capable of displaying an animation that represents the longitudinal and latitudinal tilt angle of the SUV. Also on board is a charging station which has been integrated into the sidewall of the boot, while a Thermos bottle is placed between the Q3’s front seats.
Audi Q3 Vail
The car also has specially designed flashlights that feature infrared heating and can be used for warming the driver’s hands as well as his ski boots. Other than that, it comes with a boot mat that has heated seat cushions.
Source: Audi
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi q3, audi q3 vail, Concepts, naias
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Toyota NS4
The Japanese automaker Toyota has brought to this year’s edition of the NAIAS show an advanced future plug-in hybrid sedan which they’ve called the NS4. This can be considered as a preview of the company’s future design language.
Toyota NS4
We don’t have any details regarding the powertrain of the car but the company said that it is lighter and smaller in comparison to current plug-in hybrid systems, including the firm’s system which can be found in the Prius plug-in model. According to Toyota, this new system is capable of improving fuel economy, the all-electric range and the acceleration of the car, while at the same time shorten the time necessary for recharging.
Toyota NS4
The front grille of the Toyota NS4 has a bold look, while the front bumper is sculpted. We also notice a lower spoiler and the inclusion of LED daytime running lights. At the back we find wraparound lights that have been designed to look like a rear spoiler. The car also features powered swan-wing doors and a trick roofline for optimizing the interior cabin.
Toyota NS4
This interesting concept from Toyota is also fitted with an advanced infotainment system and also a quick preview of the company’s new generation of safety equipment. The center console of the NS4 holds a touchscreen display that has been created to imitate a smartphone. From this touchscreen the driver can control just about all the available controls.
Toyota NS4
We’ve mentioned new safety equipment so let’s talk about the inclusion of a new blind-spot monitor, next-gen pre-collision detection system and adaptive headlights. In addition, it also has a clever pop-up hood so that in case of a pedestrian collision it can automatically raise the rear of the hood in order to help prevent head injuries.
Toyota NS4
To improve the NS4’s fuel efficiency, the Japanese engineers from Toyota have developed a new glass technology which is more aerodynamic and lighter, while at the same time being more resistant to fogging and rain for improving the visibility. The automaker has also ditched the conventional mirrors in favor of cameras that Toyota says provide a wider field of vision.
Source: Toyota via Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, detroit motor show, naias, Toyota, toyota ns4
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Nissan Pathfinder concept revealed at 2012 NAIAS
Nissan Pathfinder Concept
Nissan revealed a concept of its successful Pathfinder model at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show, a concept that previews the production version which will be out this fall. The most significant change in comparison to the current third generation model would have to be the unibody construction, compared to the body-on frame architecture of the outgoing model. This isn’t the first time when Nissan uses the unibody construction as the first generation model had this setup.
Nissan Pathfinder Concept
With the new generation, Nissan is attempting to give the Pathfinder a more crossover appearance, instead of the rugged styling of the third generation version. Inside the cabin it is going to be more luxurious and should pack a bunch of technological goodies. The automaker mentioned that the legroom will be excellent for all three rows, while the cargo room behind the third row of seats will be ample.
Nissan Pathfinder Concept
Under the hood of the Nissan Pathfinder there will be a V6 engine which will be mated to a new generation of the continuously variable transmission, which should make the Pathfinder the most fuel-efficient seven-passenger car on the market, according to the automaker. The car is projected to be 25% more fuel efficient in combined city/highway driving in comparison to the outgoing V6.
Source: Nissan
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, detroit motor show, naias, Nissan, nissan pathfinder, nissan pathfinder concept
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2013 Acura RDX Concept
Acura unveiled this week in Detroit the RDX concept which previews the next generation of the model that is scheduled to go on sale later on this spring. This is a five-seat crossover that will be fitted with a new all-wheel drive system. Another novelty of the model would have to be the V6 3.5-liter engine that produces 273 hp, which is 33 hp more in comparison to the current model.
2013 Acura RDX Concept
The power unit is going to be mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox that will increase the RDX’s mileage. Fuel efficiency will be further improved thanks to the installation of a lighter AWD system and the lock-up torque converter. The 2013 Acura RDX will be able to return 20 mpg in the city while on the highway it should do 28 mpg. Needless to say, the front-wheel drive version will be the most frugal RDX.
2013 Acura RDX Concept
The new model will have a longer wheelbase as well as a wider track which will probably improve its stability and it should also increase the cornering speeds. The crossover will be fitted with Amplitude Reactive Dampers that should improve the car’s handling. Aside from this, Acura’s engineers will be fitting the new generation of the RDX with a motion adaptive electric power steering system.
2013 Acura RDX Concept
On the outside we notice a bunch of styling changes that all provide a more sculpted look which should be considered more appealing. Acura says that the materials used inside have been improved and the company’s Active Sound Control team has worked hard to make the interior cabin as quiet as possible. We should expect to find an increased cargo space, more passenger room and a power rear tailgate.
2013 Acura RDX Concept
As far as the goodies are concerned, the new 2013 Acura RDX will come with keyless access, AcuraLink Satellite Communication System, Pandora internet radio with SMS function, start button and a new navigation system which will feature voice recognition. The driver will benefit from the rerouting system as well as real-time traffic and weather information. For storing music and satellite navigation information, the car will come with a 60GB hard drive.
Source: Acura via ZerCustoms
Post tags: Tags: Acura, acura rdx concept, Concepts, detroit motor show, motor shows, naias
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Volkswagen E-Bugster
Volkswagen revealed this week during the Detroit Motor Show the E-Bugster concept which is based on the new generation of the Beetle and it is considered to be a preview of the upcoming Beetle Cabriolet and the company’s electric powertrain technology.
The electric powertrain of this concept consists of a 114 hp motor that generates 199 lb.-ft of torque. VW installed the lithium-ion battery on the rear side of the vehicle and it has a curb weight of 315 kg. The E-Bugster can be driven for distance of up to 80 miles, and it needs only half an hour to fill up the batteries to their 80% capacity.
Source: Volkswagen via Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, detroit motor show, naias, Volkswagen, volkswagen e-bugster, vw e-bugster
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