Filed under: Concept Cars, Trucks/Pickups, Ford, Misc. Auto ShowsClick above for a hi-res gallery of the Ford Ranger Max ConceptAt the Thailand Motor Expo this week, Ford’s rolling out a show truck based on the locally-produced Ford Ranger. Dubbed the Ranger Max, it’s a styling exercise designed to infuse the compact pickup with some visual […]
Filed under: Coupes, Euro, Hatchbacks, Renault, Rendered Speculation
Click above for gallery of the 2010 Renault Megan Coupe
Recent snooping at the EU patent office yielded an application revealing the 2010 Renault Megane 3-door Coupe. The images (most likely shot of a clay model) show a much tamer production version when compared to the Renault Megan Coupe concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Sleeker than the 5-door Megane shots leaked a couple weeks ago, the coupe’s C-pillar differs most noticeably as the window glass sweeps to a clean point as it meets the rear hatch. The best guess is that the coupe will see a range of engines from 1.4-liters up to 2.0-liters rated between 100 and 160 hp, depending on the model. Look for it on sale next year, but sadly not on our shores.
Gallery: Renault Megane Coupe
[Source: EU Patent Office via Carscoop]
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Concept Cars, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Acura
Acura’s new design language, as seen on the 2009 TL, is fronted by a shield-like appendage that has received mixed reviews. The Acura 2+1 — the numbers describe the seating arrangement — by design student Leon Paz is what would happen if you took the shield theme to one natural conclusion. By maintaining the edge throughout the concept’s “modern baroque styling,” Paz has come up we something we kinda dig.
The body is fashioned from a plastic that is harder than fiberglass, and Paz has done a great job in creating lines that evoke skin stretched over a frame. The upper surface is one continuous window that shows off the twin-turbo V6 and the Acura logo for the cylinder covers. There is no hood — at your yearly service, the dealer would lift the glass and perform any engine maintenance.
The 2+1 would be an aspirational step for those who want an NSX but can’t afford one yet. Based on what we’ve seen of the NSX so far, we’d probably rather have the 2+1. However, our most pressing question about the car isn’t about the design — we really want to know what is the meaning of “OW AHH” scrolled in LED’s across the rear? Check out the gallery of high-res images below, and maybe you can tell us…
Gallery: Acura 2+1 Concept
[Source: Diseno Art]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Wagons/Estates, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz
When the doors open at the Paris Motor Show next month, Mercedes-Benz will be giving everyone a sneak peek of the new E-Class front-end styling. No, not in the form of the new E-Class itself, which will be unveiled at a later date, but in the ConceptFASCINATION, an attractive shooting brake concept based on the upcoming E-Class Coupe’s architecture and featuring the new E’s front-end styling.
Gone are the round headlamps we’ve become accustomed to. In their place are new “rhomboid” lamps that, on the show car at least, incorporate fiber-optic driving lights. The grille will likely be the same one seen on the new E Coupe, while we’d expect the sedan to have the traditional grille-and-hood-ornament combo instead. Power comes from Mercedes’ new 2.2L, 204-horsepower BlueTEC (with AdBlue) 4-cylinder diesel, which will make its production debut this fall in the Euro-market C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Super Verbose Prime Edition sedan.
The ConceptFASCINATION’s cargo area is covered in wood, and boasts such show-car goodies as a folding glass table that can be pulled rearward, a humidor, a chilled compartment (natch), and storage for binoculars and a camera. A pronounced rear fender arch lends some visual muscle to the whole affair. Hopefully, that’s also a hint at what the inevitable E-Class wagon’s rump is going to look like. As for the new front end, it’s a lot better looking here than spy shots have led us to believe. We’ll have much more next month from Paris. In the meantime, Mercedes’ extensive press release is pasted after the jump.
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
Continue reading Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION previews new E-Class
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, Paris Motor Show
Nissan is slowly giving up details about the Nuvu, an all-EV concept that will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. According to the Japanese marque, it’s a “new vision” about the type of cars we’ll be driving during the mid 2010s. It’s a small vehicle, only 3 meters (about 10ft) long and can seat 2+1 passengers (the +1 is an additional folding seat). The Nuvu is an all-electric model and, although it’s not the model that will be on sale in 2010, it showcases new technologies that will be used for the future production model. No specifications about range or power were given, but Nissan tells us that it’s got a 1.98-meter wheelbase (6.5 ft), it’s 1.70 meters high (5ft 7in) and 1.55 meters (5ft 1in) wide. The Nuvu also incorporates solar panels in the shape of a branch and leaves on the car’s roof to feed some juice to the car’s battery. Nissan also said that the car uses natural, organic and recycled materials to create an “airy and roomy” interior. If produced, this sounds like a competitor for the Smart and the Toyota IQ, for sure.
[Source: Nissan]
Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, MINI
In the meantime, we’ve assembled 48 high-res images of the MINI Crossover Concept into a gallery, giving you a clear view of the jacked-up 4×4’s minivanesque sliding side door, folding cloth roof and odd glass sat-nav.
Check all the pics below.
Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Coupes, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks
After a far-too-long hiatus, we’re back with podcast #62, in which we recap the New York Auto Show. A large contingent of Autobloggers attended the show, and we’re hot to talk about what we saw. The first target we take aim at is Subaru, which trotted out its newly restyled Impreza, WRX and Tribeca. Caspar Milquetoast, your cars have arrived. Ford actually did something bold by translating the Fairlane concept in to the Flex production vehicle. Opinions are split on whether it’s exciting, or just some kind of bastard offspring from a MINI/Scion xB tryst. Let’s just call it a modern interpretation of the Country Squire, without the woodgrain vinyl appliqué. Also over at the Ford stand was special-edition Mustang #6,463: the Shelby GT500KR. Whoopdedooyeeha! Sure, it’s badass, what more needs to be said? GM had three well-turned-out microcars that we were all calling the Triplets. The Groove, Beat and Trax are variations on a theme, and they definitely generated buzz. We’re glad to see the General doing small cars, as well as some of the new developments over at the HUMMER area.
Speaking of buzz, the Hyundai Genesis concept takes aim at high end luxury/performance sedans from German and Japanese manufacturers. As is their wont, Hyundai will be pricing it around 30 grand to start, and offering V8 power sent to the rear wheels, all wrapped in a handsome (if derivative) skin. Speaking of handsome skin, Infiniti dropped the G37 on us, and it’s not only a significant upgrade from the outgoing G35 coupe, it stands apart from the G35 sedan, as well. While ogling the G37’s tight lines, we bumped into the EX concept that was exceptionally well done. We wrap up by briefly touching on the de-cuted Liberty, the Lexus LX570, which no longer looks like a Land Cruiser with a different grille, and finally, our visit to Mercedes on our way back to the windowless confines of the media room.
SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
LISTEN to the show now
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, AutoblogGreen Q & A, AutoblogGreen Exclusive
Click on the image for a gallery of 29 images of the VentureOne concept and the Carver three-wheeler.
This is the second part in an interview with Ian Bruce, founder of Venture Vehicles, where he talks about safety aspects of the VentureOne concept, and projected sales growth. In the first part of the interview, Ian shared with us his background with Venture Vehicles, and comments on the design of the VentureOne. Click here to go to part one of the interview.
If you haven’t already, be sure to read our guide to the VentureOne first as background to this insightful interview.
ABG: Is the small internal combustion engine used in the hybrid variant taken straight out of a motorbike? What flex-fuel capabilities does it have?
IB: The genset is the other main component in our series-hybrid configuration, and we have a great deal of flexibility in choosing the final configuration. The principal requirement is that it run efficiently while generating a sustained 15kW using standard gasoline, E100, or any blend in between. We only require a small sensor in the fuel system that can detect the relative percentage of ethanol in the fuel and adjust the injection volumes to suit. We plan to use the airflow from the battery cooling system to keep the fuel lines and engine at a minimum temperature, and avoid any cold weather start-up problems associated with E100.
Interview continues after the jump.
Click on the image for a gallery of 29 images of the VentureOne concept and the Carver three-wheeler.
This is the second part in an interview with Ian Bruce, founder of Venture Vehicles, where he talks about safety aspects of the VentureOne concept, and projected sales growth. In the first part of the interview, Ian shared with us his background with Venture Vehicles, and comments on the design of the VentureOne. Click here to go to part one of the interview.
If you haven’t already, be sure to read our guide to the VentureOne first as background to this insightful interview.
ABG: Is the small internal combustion engine used in the hybrid variant taken straight out of a motorbike? What flex-fuel capabilities does it have?
IB: The genset is the other main component in our series-hybrid configuration, and we have a great deal of flexibility in choosing the final configuration. The principal requirement is that it run efficiently while generating a sustained 15kW using standard gasoline, E100, or any blend in between. We only require a small sensor in the fuel system that can detect the relative percentage of ethanol in the fuel and adjust the injection volumes to suit. We plan to use the airflow from the battery cooling system to keep the fuel lines and engine at a minimum temperature, and avoid any cold weather start-up problems associated with E100.
Interview continues after the jump.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.
Filed under: Hybrid, Transportation Alternatives
The AutoTram is a new streetcar concept from the Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI in Dresden, Germany which combines the flexibility of bus transport, needing no rails or overhead power lines, with the passenger carrying capacity of trams. This makes the system between 30 and 50 percent cheaper than conventional railway systems.
At up to 36 meters / 118 feet long, the AutoTram can be operated as a single bus on low passenger routes, or assembled to form a uni-directional or bi-directional high-capacity vehicle. An active multiple-axle steering system with integrated guidance ensures the AutoTram can manoeuvre around tight city streets with sharp bends.
Propelling the AutoTram is an innovative hybrid drive concept that draws is power from a 180kW / 240hp diesel engine linked to a flywheel energy storage system. In the same fashion that typical petrol-electric hybrids use regenerative breaking to recharge on-board batteries, the flywheel energy storage system using breaking energy to spin a flywheel whose momentum can later be harnessed to provide positive movement. This allows the AutoTram to travel short distances, up to two kilometers /1.2 miles, completely without noise or emissions.
[Source: HybridCarNews]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, SUVs, Acura
As it turns out, the MDX Concept that Acura previewed at the New York Auto Show was a pretty good sneak peek at how the actual 2007 model will turn out. These spy photos show a front fascia similar to the one worn by the concept, if not a little less ostentatious. Otherwise, it appears the MDX may grow a little longer, with some extra length added behind the rear wheels to increase cargo capacity in the back. The interior shot shows a center console with more buttons per square foot than a Boeing 747, as well as an iDrive-like control knob directly ahead of the shifter.
[Source: Straightline Blog]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Chrysler
Click image for a high-resolution photo gallery
With a press conference set to the percussion of the Drum Cafe, Chrysler rolled out the Nassau “shooting brake” concept this afternoon to hint at the future styling direction for the brand and especially its RWD line-up.
Based on the LX platform and stuffed with the SRT8 powertrain (that’s a 425 HP 6.1L Hemi and 5-speed A580 automatic), the Nassau strikes a far different pose than its 300C predecessor. Viewed from a low front 3/4 perspective, the rear cargo area disappears and the silhouette takes on the popular “four-door coupe” appearance. Viewed from behind, well, it has a rather boat-tailed look.
The impossibly white interior features a center stack that brings a cell phone-like appearance, along with console-mounted multimedia controllers for the front and rear passengers. The driver gets to select gearbox position via pushbuttons on the instrument panel and a pair of paddles behind the steering wheel; the gauge package is said to be inspired by “expensive” watches.
Plenty of high-res shots from the press conference are included in our gallery.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Filed under: Concept Cars, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Lexus, Toyota
.jpg)
Click the image above view our high-resolution gallery of the Lexus LF-A
“Lexus recycles” is a headline you’d be more likely to see on our sister-site Autoblog Green, but we’re not talking about production materials or old cars…we’re talking concept cars here. Having shown the LF-A concept car here in Detroit two years ago at the 2005 NAIAS, Toyota’s premium brand reworked it and brought it back to share the stage with the pre-production IS-F performance sedan at their Detroit press conference.
The LF-A is a front-engined supercar with a 500-horsepower V10. The 2007 version has some revised styling; the front end, in particular, is more curvaceous and enticing than the 2005 show car on which it’s based.
Will Toyota give it the green light for production? Nothing’s confirmed, but the signs are pointing in the right direction. Lexus revealed that they’ve been conducting engineering analyses on the car. Test mules have been spotted undergoing road testing, and at the press conference, Lexus executives suggested it could be the next F model to join their new performance line-up alongside the IS-F.
Does the world need another supercar? No, not really. Do we want one? Oh yes, yes we do.
Follow the jump for the official press release and our own high-resolution gallery here.
For our comprehensive listing of everything from Detroit, click here.
Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: Lexus LF-A, take two
Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles, Sedans/Saloons, Mercedes Benz
Click the image above for a full-sized gallery.
Mercedes-Benz put on an Icecapades-style show here at Detroit, simultaneously celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the all-wheel-drive Mercedes and of the Detroit auto show, where M-B had shown their first four-driver a century ago. Accompanied by a dogsled team, hockey players and figure skaters, the press conference-on-ice showcased Mercedes’ full range of 48 all-wheel-drive 4MATIC models globally, while simultaneously focusing on the introduction of the BLUETEC clean diesel technology. Lastly, fitting in to neither part of the split 4MATIC/BLUETEC double theme, the red carpet was rolled out for the Ocean Drive concept.
Make the jump for the rest of the story and the press release.
For our comprehensive listing of everything from Detroit, click here.
Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: Mercedes shows Ocean Drive concept…on ice
Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Honda
click above image to view 32 high-resolution live and official shots in our gallery
While Honda’s corporate message continually stresses safety and fuel economy, today’s introduction of the Accord Coupe Concept emphasized style, attitude and sizzle. Honda product boss John Mendel didn’t need a speech writer to emphasize the Accord’s significance to the company.
“The Accord is the single most important product for Honda,” Mendel said, noting that almost 10 million Accords have been sold in the U.S., and it was the first Japanese nameplate to be built domestically. “It’s the cornerstone of the Honda lineup. For Honda, the Accord represents the flagship and our single best selling model.”
Check out more info on the Accord Coupe Concept, including a full press release, after the jump. Also check out our full, high-resolution gallery containing 32 pics both from the reveal and Honda itself.
For our comprehensive listing of everything from Detroit, click here.
Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: Honda Accord Coupe Concept
Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, SUVs, Acura
As it turns out, the MDX Concept that Acura previewed at the New York Auto Show was a pretty good sneak peek at how the actual 2007 model will turn out. These spy photos show a front fascia similar to the one worn by the concept, if not a little less ostentatious. Otherwise, it appears the MDX may grow a little longer, with some extra length added behind the rear wheels to increase cargo capacity in the back. The interior shot shows a center console with more buttons per square foot than a Boeing 747, as well as an iDrive-like control knob directly ahead of the shifter.
[Source: Straightline Blog]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Filed under: Concept Cars, Supercars, Cadillac
During an interview with David Sedgwick of Automotive News, Bob Lutz, GM’s vice chairman, revealed that plans to offer a Cadillac in the $150,000 to $180,000 realm are still on the table. Although production of the 2003 Sixteen concept has come up in previous conversations, within GM, it has always been more of a styling exercise, built to influence future Caddy designs. That said, the General has researched the idea and came away impressed with the business case.
Another option would be the production of a vehicle similar to the 2002 Cien concept (pictured) that Lutz maintains would cost less to produce, but would sell in smaller numbers.
If such a vehicle would come to fruition, expect power to come from a V12, a V10 or even a hybrid powertrain. The latter may be more appealing, as Lutz admits that federal fuel economy standards are going to have a great deal of influence on future models and GM’s focus is beginning to turn towards more efficient vehicles.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Chevrolet, GM
click above to view the new Camaro spy-shot in high-res
General Motors has released another shot of the production Camaro making the rounds on its test track and this time we get a nice view of the front three-quarters. According to the FastLane Blog, the Camaro “is quickly evolving into final form,” however, things like the headlight design will likely change before all is said and done. The itty-bitty pic doesn’t divulge much, but it does prove that GM is sticking as close to the concept as possible. And just to let you know, we’re already looking for a larger version of the pic.
UPDATE: High-res version of the pic added.
UPDATE 2: You knew they were coming. CamaroZ28.com forum member Rampant has provided us with images of the new Camaro shot in a rainbow of colors.
[Source: GM FastLane Blog]
Gallery: 2009 Chevy Camaro - colors
Gallery: 2009 Chevy Camaro - spy shots
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Coupes, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks
After a far-too-long hiatus, we’re back with podcast #62, in which we recap the New York Auto Show. A large contingent of Autobloggers attended the show, and we’re hot to talk about what we saw. The first target we take aim at is Subaru, which trotted out its newly restyled Impreza, WRX and Tribeca. Caspar Milquetoast, your cars have arrived. Ford actually did something bold by translating the Fairlane concept in to the Flex production vehicle. Opinions are split on whether it’s exciting, or just some kind of bastard offspring from a MINI/Scion xB tryst. Let’s just call it a modern interpretation of the Country Squire, without the woodgrain vinyl appliqué. Also over at the Ford stand was special-edition Mustang #6,463: the Shelby GT500KR. Whoopdedooyeeha! Sure, it’s badass, what more needs to be said? GM had three well-turned-out microcars that we were all calling the Triplets. The Groove, Beat and Trax are variations on a theme, and they definitely generated buzz. We’re glad to see the General doing small cars, as well as some of the new developments over at the HUMMER area.
Speaking of buzz, the Hyundai Genesis concept takes aim at high end luxury/performance sedans from German and Japanese manufacturers. As is their wont, Hyundai will be pricing it around 30 grand to start, and offering V8 power sent to the rear wheels, all wrapped in a handsome (if derivative) skin. Speaking of handsome skin, Infiniti dropped the G37 on us, and it’s not only a significant upgrade from the outgoing G35 coupe, it stands apart from the G35 sedan, as well. While ogling the G37’s tight lines, we bumped into the EX concept that was exceptionally well done. We wrap up by briefly touching on the de-cuted Liberty, the Lexus LX570, which no longer looks like a Land Cruiser with a different grille, and finally, our visit to Mercedes on our way back to the windowless confines of the media room.
SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
LISTEN to the show now
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, MINI
It’s finally arrived folks… and it’s not the coming apocalypse. MINI has released the first official images of the Crossover Concept, proving that BMW not only has a sense of humor, but that it’s serious about bringing an all-wheel-drive MINI to market in 2010.
These initial images give us a clear indication of how future MINIs will be styled, and if BMW’s reputation for making only a few revisions from concept to production hold true, this is very close to the finished product.
Measuring about six inches wider and taller than the Clubman, the Crossover Concept features a five-door body style, but that’s where the similarities end. The right rear door has a conventional hinge, but the left door slides out and back, minivan-style. The rear hatch ditches the Clubman’s dual doors and is instead fitted with a single panel that opens to the right. Sources suggest that the concept’s door arrangement might be nixed in favor of something more traditional when it reaches production.
Power specifications and exact trim levels have yet to be revealed, but expect the Crossover to carry the same naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines as its Cooper counterparts, BMW’s Efficient Dynamics system (with start-stop tech) and naturally, all-wheel-drive.
It’s likely that the Crossover won’t be spending much time off road, but with a higher ride height, more space, a comfy interior and MINI’s iconic styling, we’re sure we’ll see several on the highways and byways both here and abroad.
Read all the details in MINI’s press release after the jump.
Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept
Continue reading Paris Preview: 2010 MINI Crossover Concept
Permalink | Email this | Comments