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http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2002_hsv_hrt_427-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2002_hsv_hrt_427-2.jpg [/size] http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2002_hsv_hrt_427-3.jpg As released at the 2002 Sydney Motor Show, the HRT 427 show car was a closed-circuit racer featuring a 7-litre V8 racing engine based on the Le Mans-winning C5R Corvette powerplant. Over the past 15 years the HSV brand has been built on motorsport success and creating exhilarating road cars that contain serious levels of motorsport derived DNA. This race track concept, which simmered within both HSV and Holden, has boiled over with the two companies collaborating and creatinh the breathtaking HRT 427. 427 In Detail Racing heritage features under the bonnet with a V8 engine that shares its 427 cubic inch (7.0 litre) capacity with the legendary big block Chev. Based on a Corvette C5R race engine, it's been hand built by HRT technicians, incorporating their own unique piston and CNC cylinder head design. This very special powerplant feeds through eight individual throttle bodies with carbon fibre trumpets. 'HRT 427 is the ideal showcase for potential new HSV production technology,' said project head, Brad Dunstan, TWR (Aust)'s Manager of Advanced Engineering. 'We've taken every performance and handling idea we have in the book and incorporated them into the HRT 427. One of the developments for this car that we hope to get into future HSV production is the double 'A' arm front suspension.' The race-style system consists of a set of beautifully crafted aluminium A arms, complete with fully adjustable dampers, which take the place of the Coupe's standard strut front suspension. Everywhere you look there's seriously high spec performance mechanicals. A heavy-duty 900Nm clutch transmits the engine's prodigious output to a special T56 six-speed manual gearbox. Hand built for HSV by Tremec (makers of the standard T56), it features the same lower ratios as the Corvette Z06 and includes triple synchros to reduce shift effort. Braking is via a race-bred AP Racing six piston system including competition style full floating and grooved rotors. Inside, there's a half roll-cage and Sparco Pro 2000 driving seats (as used in the British Touring Car Championship) to hold the driver securely in place behind an HRT style steering wheel and Motec instrument panel. A strict weight reduction program, instigated to further enhance performance, sees it tip the scales at just 3472 lbs (1575kg) or 200 lbs (100kg) less than HSV's GTS Coup

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_audi_le_mans_quattro_concept-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_audi_le_mans_quattro_concept-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_audi_le_mans_quattro_concept-3.jpg A high-performance sports car, a roadgoing vehicle that could be said to have inherited the genes of the Audi R8, three-times winner of the Le Mans 24-Hours race: Audi reveals its Le Mans quattro concept study. This fascinating driving machine is a synthesis of the experience gained from numerous racing triumphs, allied to advanced design and Audi's technical competence - which has in turn become synonymous for Audi's technological leadership (Vorsprung durch Technik) on the racetrack and the road alike. 610 HP Engine[/i] A flow of power as if from a turbine, a high maximum torque curve and a fascinating sound: the basic features of a perfect sports-car engine. This 5.0-litre V10 engine with its twin turbochargers is just as fascinating in the potential it offers as in its suitability for day-to-day use. Its bite in every operating range and its unrivalled willingness to rev up to high speeds are truly impressive. This ten-cylinder engine has 40 valves, operated by four overhead camshafts. Both the inlet and exhaust valves have continuously variable opening periods to ensure optimum gas flow in all engine-speed ranges. Two turbochargers driven from the exhaust and located behind the engine boost the pressure of the combustion air to a maximum of 2.0 bar before it is forced into the engine. The charge-air intercoolers are mounted above the engine. They are fed with air through an inlet on the body side and have an additional low-temperature cooling water circuit. The two oil coolers are at the side of the engine, well positioned in the airflow behind the side inlets. As a result of these careful design measures, the engine can develop an impressive 449 kW (610 bhp). A big contribution to this formidable output is made by the direct petrol injection (FSI) system, which set new standards in the cars that won such historic victories in the 2001 and 2002 Le Mans races and in the American Le Mans Series. FSI combines outstandingly efficient power output with highly efficient combustion of the fuel. In the Audi Le Mans quattro the ten-cylinder biturbo FSI engine is particularly pleasant on account of its willingness to rev freely and its lusty pulling power at all engine speeds. The maximum torque of 750 Newton-metres is available within an exceptionally broad engine-speed range from 1,750 to 5,800 rpm, so that unnecessarily frequent gear changes are avoided. 4WD[/i] Such a powerful Audi car naturally features the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. The Le Mans quattro, as a leading-edge technology carrier, has a version of this legendary driveline that has been adapted to suit the car's mid-engined layout and the associated axle-load distribution. For optimal traction and dynamic road behaviour, the power from this mid-engined sports car's ten-cylinder engine is normally distributed in a ratio of 40:60 between the front and rear axles. This achieves maximum agility together with optimal traction - essentials for supreme road dynamics in all conditions and on corners of varying radii. This version of the quattro driveline, with Torsen C inter-axle differential, is of course capable of diverting engine torque to the axle at which there is more tyre grip available, in order to suppress wheelspin. Depending on the amount of grip detected, torque distribution between the front and rear axles can be varied continuously from 20 : 80 to 70 : 30 percent. Chassis[/i] The suspension uses double wishbones at front and rear; the upper and lower front wishbones are both triangulated. At the rear, the upper wishbone is triangulated and the lower one is of a trapezoidal pattern for optimal wheel location - a geometry that has proved ideal for maximum steering precision and precisely defined self-steering effects in motor sport. Direct-action rack and pinion steering with the degree of power assistance dependent on road speed reduces steering wheel effort while ensuring an optimal level of feedback from the road. The spring and shock absorber settings are firm, to ensure the highest possible level of road dynamics, but the level of ride comfort that they offer is none the less most remarkable. This is because the shock absorbers feature an innovative technology known as Audi magnetic ride. Instead of the conventional hydraulic fluid in the shock absorber, it contains a magneto-rheological fluid, the viscosity of which can be varied by applying a magnetic field. The electronic control system energises an electromagnet which can be used at any time to influence the shock absorber's operating characteristic. In this way the most suitable level of damping can be provided in every driving situation, for optimum ride quality and dynamic road behaviour. A computer uses signals from sensors to detect the actual driving situation within a few thousandths of a second. A switch is provided at the steering wheel for the driver to choose between two driving programmes, either an emphatically sporty one using the magneto-rheological shock absorber fluid at low viscosity, or the alternative setting for greater ride comfort. Yet another high-tech feature adopted from motor sport: the brake discs are made from a ceramic material. With diameters of 380 mm at the front and 356 mm at the rear, they slow and stop the car in a manner that matches its immense performance. Braking pressure is transmitted to these discs by eight-piston fixed calipers at the front and fist-type calipers at the rear. The ceramic material used for the brake discs conducts heat away excellently, withstands high temperatures very well and is therefore exceptionally resistant to fading: a most desirable feature that will enable the Audi Le Mans quattro to achieve the fast lap times of which it is capable on the world's racing circuits. Exterior Styling Even the first glimpse of the car gives the observer a clear picture of its calibre. The Audi Le Mans quattro, with its Jet Blue paint finish, has a wide stance and a bullish appearance on the road. Its powerful rear end seems to be bracing its muscles in order to jump, like a sprinter on the starting line. The body makes a compact impression. The car's front and the flat curve of the roof outline seem to have been sketched with a single sweeping stroke: a line that identifies the two-seater instantly as an Audi, since together with the front curve of the front wings it recalls the Audi TT and the Nuvolari quattro GT study. The Audi Le Mans quattro is a markedly cab forward design, typical of a mid-engined sports car and with visible echoes of the Audi R8. Behind the occupant area but ahead of the rear axle is the V10 engine with its twin turbochargers: a technical sculpture that is visible from the inside of the car and also through a large, transparent rear flap. 1.90 metres wide but only 4.37 metres long and 1.25 metres high: those are the proportions of a supersport model. The 2.65 m long wheelbase accommodates a remarkably spacious occupant area and the longitudinally installed engine behind it. To the rear of the doors, between the sill and the roof, there is a large outward-curving intake that supplies the V10 engine, the oil cooler, the charge-air intercooler and the brakes with sufficient air. The base of the rear end in particular exposes certain technical features of the Audi Le Mans quattro, among them the two central exhaust tailpipes and two large diffuser openings that reveal the intensive influence of aerodynamics on the car's design. Body aerodynamics were developed in Audi's modern wind tunnel, in close cooperation between Audi Design and Audi Sport. These two sections of the Audi organisation have already worked on three generations of the Audi R8 competition car, preparing it for road speeds of well over 300 km/h and optimising its aerodynamic downforce for fast, safe cornering - technology transfer at the very highest level. When the Audi Le Mans quattro is driven at a speed above 120 km/h, its rear spoiler is extended automatically into the slipstream, to add to the negative lift generated by the aerodynamic design of the floor pan and the diffusers. If the driver wishes to leave the spoiler extended all the time, for instance when lapping a racing circuit, it can be prevented from retracting at a button on the multifunctional steering wheel. Otherwise it moves back in again flush with the body when the Audi Le Mans quattro's speed drops below 80 km/h. Incidentally, the spoiler is also extended when the car is reversed, since it contains the strip-pattern reversing lights. This concept car is based on aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) structure - the perfect blend of minimum weight and maximum rigidity as a foundation for the highest standards of road dynamics. The outer skin of the body and various add-on parts are of mixed weight-saving construction, using aluminium and carbon-fibre reinforced plastics. This is a precondition for the car's low gross weight of only 1,530 kilograms and therefore for its outstandingly good power-to-weight ratio of only 2.5 kg/bhp. When the large covers are electrically released and opened, the elaborate suspension elements and the wide tyres with their precision tread pattern are revealed. Interior The systematically driver-oriented architecture dominates the car's interior. The driver can be regarded as an integral element of a cockpit bordered by the fascia, a high centre console and the instrument panel above it, which is angled towards the driver. Form follows function: the Audi Le Mans quattro pursues this approach with great determination. In addition to the driver-oriented interior architecture, which continues in the design of the door cappings, it is the choice of materials that creates the functional atmosphere. A critical look from the driving seat confirms that in this driving machine the design and positioning of all the elements have been concentrated on essentials. All the main sources of information are directly in front of the driver, in the area behind the multifunctional sports steering wheel, the rim of which is flattened at the bottom. The instrument cluster is divided into three sections: the rectangular centre section flows in a droplet pattern into the information units at the left and right. Whereas the revolution counter at the left, although operated digitally, has a classic circular dial, the interior designers have pursued an entirely new path for the right section of the instrument cluster. The large-format digital display uses the TFT technique and can be switched between three modes - analogue, track and MMI - by the driver. When cruising, and in the analogue mode, the surface becomes a digital speedometer with an analogue display and an additional clock display. Those who take the Le Mans quattro out on to the racing circuit can use the track mode to display a plan of the circuit. Information obtained by GPS is used to show the next bend and to compute the lap time. In parallel with this, the almost square central section displays information on the selected suspension settings and the gear in use. The principal data on the engine's operating condition, for instance oil pressure and temperature, can be obtained in the MMI mode. For road use, this is where the route guidance pictograms supplied by the navigation system in the TFT display are shown. Another well-proven feature is operation of the sequential-shift sports gearbox by paddles behind the steering wheel. This ergonomic concept has long since proved successful in motor sport - the best example of this being the threefold Le Mans winner, the Audi R8. Story by Audi, Edited by Supercars.net

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_volkswagen_concept-r-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_volkswagen_concept-r-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_volkswagen_concept-r-3.jpg Wolfsburg. Just seven days after the world premiere of the new Golf, Volkswagen presents a further facet of automobile fascination: The roadster prototype concept R. The great sharpness in design, seen from every angle, combined with outstanding functional solutions indicates what the Brand has in store for the future and also a possible involvement in the world of real and genuine sports cars. Propulsion for the concept R comes from a V6 mid-engine; It returns 195 kW / 265 brake horse power and accelerates the roadster in 5.3 seconds to 100 km/h. If the propelling power was not governed to 250 km/h, in theory, the top speed would be 270 km/h. The engine torque (350 Newton metres at 2,800 rpm) is transferred to the road via a spectacular Volkswagen direct selection gearbox (DSG / 6-speed) and rear axle. Chosen consciously to provide a contrast, the designers applied colour to the exterior and interior: Frozen sky paint finish, dark earth interior leather. Design Concept The design team, led by Murat Gunak (Volkswagen Brand Group) and Peter Schreyer (Volkswagen Brand), shows with the roadster concept R how a sports car packed with aesthetics and emotion could look in the foreseeable future with the internationally successful VW label. The 4.16 metre long, 1.78 metre wide and just 1.25 metre high two-seater has a convincingly powerful body and an interior that conquers virgin territory in terms of style in every detail. The basis for the highly dynamic exterior design forms a very clear linear structure, which distinguishes all of today's Volkswagens. But these lines are set sharper than ever and, with a new appearance, frame extremely exciting and well formed surfaces. This new three dimensionality in the important body elements forms, with the virtuosity of a concept bearing the slogan 'anything is possible', a path to tomorrow's foreseeable world. The concept R continues where the Phaeton, Touareg, New Beetle Cabriolet and Golf make their mark to further enhance dynamics and emotion with crystal clear structures and functional levels by placing itself ahead without compromise as a forerunner of Volkswagen design. Front End particularly avante garde element of the concept R is seen in the front end with its newly designed Volkswagen radiator grille and large V-shaped air cooling inlet below. The chrome badge, integrating the VW logo in the centre, is where air is drawn in for the V6 engine to breath and the new look of the eye-like headlights creates a face that can immediately be associated with the Volkswagen Brand tradition, even though a complete reinterpretation of the design has been possible. The designers were conscious in their efforts to instil in the front end of this sports car the agility and vigilance of an animal about to jump. The bonnet of the front luggage compartment (mid-engine!) continues the V of the radiator grille extension and contours it upwards to the A pillars. This V is stressed by two flowing protrusions that separate the wings and bonnet contour on the left and right. The wings are designed more as independent and powerful structures and on both sides feature a further inlet for cooling of the front brakes. LED headlights with lenses Absolutely dominant: Headlights integrated in the wings with outer, round main element and an inner part narrowing to a point towards the centre of the vehicle. Inline with the Phaeton, Touareg and new Golf, the wing area is extended prominently to the front above the headlights like an eyebrow and underlines in this way the athletic character of the concept vehicle. True to this image is a technical novelty in the form of headlights with ultramodern LED technology: As soon as they are switched on, a lens begins to open on each side. Before the aperture widens, all that can be seen is a narrow beam of light and then the full lighting power becomes available for dipped or main beam. The optical effect of this focussing of the vehicle eyes makes the concept R appear to come alive, inline with the whole characteristic design. The way future and past can be combined in a fascinating way is shown in the front end with a stylistic homage to the world of sports cars of the 50s: The tank filler neck on the left of the bonnet is finished as an independent style element. Silhouette The flank of the concept R is distinguished by: a very flat waistline, rising to the centre of the rear wheelarches; naturally round, heavily contoured wheelarches; and a very short rear overhang. The new design is also continued here with its own fascination in form and function. And again the term three dimensionality comes to light. Inline with the New Beetle, there are just three prominent lines that form the silhouette of the concept R: Two semi-circles each for the high rise of the wheelarches and one straight line closing to a semi-circle at the rear of the waistline. Furthermore, the three dimensionality of the design is emphasised par excellence in the side rear end area: The surface of the wings above the prominent semi-circles of the wheelarches is drawn into the rear end and is visible only from the rear to form an extremely powerful and independent unit. Similar to the new Golf, the tail lights have a transparent finish, even when seen from the side, and form an important style element thanks to their crystal clear appearance Nothing disturbs the dynamics of the sides; Even the door handles, featuring keyless access, take on a subordinate role in the design To ensure the homogenous silhouette of the concept R is not interrupted unnecessarily, the doors are integrated beautifully and unobtrusively into the design. To support this, the outer door handles are manufactured from a narrow but solid thin aluminium strip. Thanks to the keyless access system integrated here, all that is needed to lock and unlock the door is light contact with the handle as it ejects. Rear End Typical for Volkswagen: Even the powerfully created rear end features an absolutely unmistakable design. Inline with the front end, the boot forms a V, enhanced by an incomparable dynamic edge. The tail lights correspond in their form with the headlights. When activated, the light is built up in three stages as three LED blocks light up in succession. The tail lights have a round, lens-like outer main element to mark the style. In addition, the second, trapeze shaped part of the tail lights is integrated in the rounded wing edges, reminiscent of the rear of a muscle-packed animal. Between the tail lights there is a very thin strip of diodes for the third brake light. The designers worked the VW logo into the space above this in the centre. Not until the roadster is seen up close is it possible to see the chrome concept-R lettering on the engine/soft top cover (mid-engine, fully retracting cover) as part of an outlet on the V6 engine. The chrome twin tail pipe of the exhaust system, finished again in the shape of a V, is a stylistic feature of the exhaling six cylinder. At each side of this there are two additional large air outlets that are designed like a diffuser. The dynamic and emotional air of the concept R is underlined by two body domes behind the driver and front passenger in the style of a classic racing car. Not only are they powerful and elegant in their flowing lines, but they also fulfil two very practical roles: Wind deflection and over-roll protection. Integrated in the top of the driver's dome is the chrome GPS aerial and in the front passenger's dome is the GSM aerial. Interior Take one look at the interior of the concept R and view groundbreaking and fascinating form and function in harmony. The interior designers and design engineers developed an interior that has the layout, operating and information spectrum of a time tunnel that paves the way to the future. All information and operating elements are integrated in a new harmony of form and function. A so-called OLED screen (flexible in shape and form with extremely high lighting power) breathes even more life into the concept R. And in a way that is as unusual as it is unexpected. The typical VW emblem in the steering wheel is no longer a tangible reality; It can now be found stored in the round display. As soon as the driver switches on the ignition, that is, when the concept R is switched to stand-by, the VW emblem begins to pulsate. When the ignition is activated, the pulse stops. Even though the VW logo is generated digitally by a display, it has a tangible appearance as if it were made of chromed metal. Concepts have the power to blow rules to the wind: Why adjust the seats when the cockpit is flexible? A completely new feature was introduced by the engineers in the way of ergonomics: The two bucket seats of the concept R are no longer adjustable. In fact, there is no way of adjusting them at all. Instead of the seat, the driver moves the polished aluminium operating and information block of the instrument panel, including steering wheel and pedal cluster, back or forth. The adjusting mechanism is activated electrically. At the press of a button, the front passenger can also find an optimal seating position by moving a highly polished support element back or forth in the footwell. And this position is truly comfortable: The concept R fits perfectly and offers the highest level of seating comfort on long journeys, such as the winding roads of the Nurburgring-Nordschleife - exactly the reason why the concept of selecting the optimal seating position was reversed. Thanks to a sophisticated and newly developed carrier mechanism, the seats are self-sprung; The hardness of the springs can also be adjusted. The seating comfort is enhanced even further by active foam used in the seat structure, which is covered in deer leather. Developed for space travel and adapted for extremely good office furniture with a price tag to match, this foam is being used in a sports car for the first time. It adapts perfectly like a modulated counter-structure to the individual contours of each body and thereby contributes towards an unusually high level of comfort and provides good ergonomic properties. Another seat feature is one that promotes safety: When the driver and co-driver enter the vehicle, the head restraints are moved forwards automatically by five centimetres and thereby adopt an optimal position in terms of safety. An optical and technical highlight of the concept vehicle is the instrument panel and centre console. All areas of the operating elements and displays, and also parts of the three-spoke steering wheel (self-climatised), are finished in polished aluminium. As a contrast, the dash cross member is covered in dark deer leather to avoid reflections from the windscreen. The sports car cockpit captivates its audience by clarity, aesthetics and functional logic. Example: The air vents in the centre console, designed with a turbine appearance, display the selected temperature digitally and can be turned like a dial to set a new value. The combination of display and operation is as simple as it is remarkable. The hand is reached out intuitively to a point where the driver expects the function to be and where the temperature change can be felt directly. A further novelty are the instruments themselves. The hardware provides digital information here too (with, in places, analogue characters), and here, as the project develops, ultramodern OLED screens will also be featured. Right at the heart of development work was again the need to interpret the harmony of form and function in a fascinating and new way. Example, main instrument or rather main function level: When the ignition is activated (no key required, just simply tap the START switch lightly), it opens up into the centre of the cockpit from the right. In this central display are the classic functions, such as speed or engine temperature. Story by Volkswagen AG

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_citroen_c-arilounge-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_citroen_c-arilounge-1.jpg Taking centre stage on the Citroen stand, the C-Airlounge concept introduces a stylish approach to grand touring, with a striking look that incorporates an imposing V-shaped bonnet, chrome strips that run along the waistline of the 4.88m body and swivelling headlamps. Thanks to its aerodynamic design, and with particular attention paid to air-flow, with specially designed wheel rims and Blade Vortex Generators at the rear, the C-Airlounge has a drag coefficient of just 0.26. Powered by a 210hp 3.0i V6 engine, the C-Airlounge also benefits from Citroen's ultra-comfortable Hydractive 3 suspension. Additionally, this technologically advanced concept features a fixed hub steering wheel, incorporating controls for the electric parking brake and hands-free phone, as well as a multimedia centre in the central console and two notepad-size PCs under the rear side armrests. The modern styling reveals a cabin covered in white leather and silk, whilst the pillarless side window design and enormous glass sunroof flood the interior with light. For added ambience, an intriguing lighting system uses fibre optics and video-projectors to bathe the interior in a range of mood-setting lighting, from Intense red to Convivial candlelight. The highly practical, power-assisted seating arrangement can accommodate five or, with the middle seat retracted under the floor to give more space, four occupants, while the large boot holds up to 650 litres of luggage. Thanks to its drive-by-wire design, gone are the traditional pedals and gearlever to be replaced by a fixed central hub and steering wheel mounted controls. And ensuring top-class handling, the technically advanced C-Airdream features variable-ratio electric steering and a vehicle dynamics controller. Story by Citroen

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2004_peugeot_4002-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2004_peugeot_4002-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2004_peugeot_4002-3.jpg After more than a century of car building and more than 40 million units produced, Peugeot felt it was time to give the public their say and invited designers and motoring enthusiasts to accept a challenge hitherto unexplored by the marque: Design a Peugeot with a retro futurist style. 2800 quality entries were received, that had to call to mind one of the Marques historic models and be innovative, creative and original. The winner, Stefan Schulze, a 32 year old German graphic artist satisfied all these requirements with his Peugeot 4002 design. A full scale model was produced of his design and it takes pride of place on the Peugeot stand. Identification with the marque is immediately apparent. The Peugeot 4002 is a Peugeot by the hint of the design of its headlights and its general character, which is resolutely dynamic. In addition, by adopting one of Peugeot's most stylistic features, namely the large radiator grille behind which are concealed two headlamps, the project immediately reveals the source of its inspiration - the Peugeot 402 dating from 1936. The symmetry accorded to the front and rear, and its architecture which assigns a very forward position to the passenger compartment, make the project particularly original. The overall effect is paradoxical: soft, elegant contours and seamless transitions produce a highly resilient car, resting solidly on its 21 inch wheels. Story bu Peugeot

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_seat_altea_prototipo-1.jpg The Frankfurt Motor Show will provide the setting for first showing of the SEAT Altea Prototipo. This prototype heralds the arrival of a completely new production model, also called Altea, planned for launch in 2004. The Altea will be the first SEAT product to be developed within the new Audi Brand Group created in early 2002. The Altea Prototipo is not just another concept car or a demonstration of the SEAT Design Centre's creative talents - it is just a few steps away from becoming a reality. It is a true prototype that shows the styling of the new model that will become a pillar of the Spanish brand, sharing the spotlight with the Ibiza and Leon models. The Altea Prototipo gives an insight into the new look of SEAT's future models. The front end features a large radiator grille that proudly displays the brand badge, and is highlighted by the cat's eye-like headlamps. The side view clearly shows the dynamic line that flows downward over the doors to meet the rear wheel arches and will characterise all new SEAT models. From the outside, the Altea Prototipo's clean lines give no indication where the engine space, passenger compartment and boot start and finish, making it a true mono-space. But this is a very special, sporty mono-space, that SEAT calls an MSV. MSV stands for Multi Sport Vehicle, a concept that combines sporty design and a dynamic driving experience with the functionality of a mono-space arrangement inside. On the Altea Prototipo this means 2+2 seating (four individual seats), an aerodynamic silhouette, a compact, lowered five-door chassis, and detailing worthy of a thoroughbred, such as the large 19 inch rims with low profile tyres, and the powerful brake system visible through the wheel spokes. Such impressive looks are matched by excellent performance, which can be easily demonstrated as this is a fully functioning model. The Altea Prototipo also incorporates brand new technology for SEAT, a powerful 2.0 FSI petrol engine - SEAT's first FSI engine. The engine's 150 PS output is transmitted to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic and sequential Tiptronic gearbox. The chassis, of course, features the efficient Agile Chassis or DSR (Dynamic Steering Response) developed by SEAT. The Altea Prototipo is a clear illustration of the fundamental values of the Spanish brand: innovative, original design, extrovert sporty character and driving pleasure delivered through technology. SEAT's new MSV concept will be showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the final production model will soon be seen on the roads. Story by Seat

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_peugeot_elixir-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_peugeot_elixir-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_peugeot_elixir-3.jpg The 407 Elixir is an original concept car full of styling innovations and outstanding engineering that will give visitors to the show a glimpse of how future Peugeot models might look. The styling is both dynamic and elegant, with an appreciably long front end and elegant rear proportions. Thanks to a combination of pure, clean lines, the body has a fluid design that combines a very steeply inclined windscreen with a glass roof - a feature that is now synonymous with the Peugeot brand. At the front a wide mouth is surrounded by chrome-plated beading and beautifully integrated headlamps. At the back, the dynamic design is enhanced by twin exhausts, LED-type rear lights and an opening rear window accommodated in a relatively upright tailgate. The 407 Elixir is designed to seat four people in comfort. The doors open to reveal an interior with no partition or rear parcel shelf, housing four identical, adjustable seats. The 407 Elixir is welcoming and user-friendly with dual zone air-conditioning and satellite navigation displayed on a 7-inch colour screen. The bright passenger compartment features impressive materials and light, high quality leather which is bordered at the top by aluminium inserts that run the length of the interior as far as each end of the fascia panel. Featuring pre-tensioning seat belts and with nine airbags, one of which is incorporated in the steering column to protect the drivers knees, the 407 Elixir is a very safe car. Power for the vehicle is provided by an all new 6 cylinder 2.7 litre HDi engine. This engine features the latest generation particulate emission filter, and generates 148kW with a maximum torque figure of 440 Nm. The transmission adopts a Tiptronic style sequential gearbox, with a gear lever allowing either 100% automatic operation or manual, sequential control over gear changes. Elixir has dual wishbone front suspension at the front and the latest generation multi-arm system at the rear - combined with a new Electronic Stability Program. This state of the art suspension technology offers high quality road holding and unrivalled comfort, ensuring genuine driving pleasure - a true Peugeot trademark. Story by Automobiles Peugeot

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_volkswagen_golf_gti-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_volkswagen_golf_gti-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_volkswagen_golf_gti-3.jpg Golf GTI is considered to be the icon of sporty compact vehicles. Not only that: The letters GTI have become the symbol of a complete class of vehicles and the epitome of compact handling dynamics. Now Volkswagen presents at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt the next stage of evolution for this icon of driving pleasure: A Golf GTI concept of the fifth generation. It personifies the sheer culture of the GTI philosophy. Powered by a completely new FSI turbo engine with 147 kW / 200 hp, the two door GTI is independent like never before and closes, both conceptionally as well as visually, the circle to the legendary founding vision of Grand Tourisme Injection: The Golf GTI. The Concept 28 years ago Volkswagen presented at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt the first GTI - and the legend began. The world premiere of the first Golf GTI was in 1975 at the same position and also as a concept vehicle. In June 1976, series production began. What happened thereafter is the making of a legend. At the start, the vehicles were finished in either silver or red and were originally intended as just a limited edition of 5000 GTIs. But it turned out very differently. With a powerful 81 kW / 110 hp output and top speed of 182 km/h, the Golf GTI won a new clientele and established the GTI class as a compact sports car. From the original 5000 vehicles, more than four generations and more than 1.5 million Golf GTIs have evolved to date. The concept emulates consciously the stylistic characteristics of the first GTI generation; which means, of course, that it is finished in red with black contrasting features. With the Golf GTI concept, as shown in Frankfurt, Volkswagen is now demonstrating how GTI history will develop. The concept consciously emulates the GTI of the first generation. Therefore it has to be red, it has to have a black radiator grille, and it has to rise above the other models of the series with substantial modifications. After all, the first GTI also distinguished itself with a markedly independent appearance: The black bumpers and flared wings, the black side bump strips, the black rear window frame and the characteristic red trim around the black radiator grille of the original GTI are so clear today as if the vehicle had just yesterday been presented in Frankfurt. As with all leading examples, the Golf GTI was copied by many. The models came in many shapes and forms, such as GSI, GTE, XRi, GTX, and disappeared from the market long ago. Not one of them came even close to the comparable status of a Golf GTI. From this unmistakable GTI tradition evolved the new concept vehicle. Based on the majestic dynamics of the new model generation, the engineers and designers developed a GTI that accentuates the original version, whilst paving the way to the future with an extremely sporty, extremely independent and extremely well proven presence. Exterior The exterior design - The Golf GTI concept, like the roadster concept R, shows dominant V-shaped flowing lines at the front end The concept combines traditional GTI features with the front end design of a future generation. Inline with the concept R roadster, presented on 1st September, the GTI also has a striking V motive in the design of the front end. The bonnet features an arrow shaped modulation, which continues the flowing lines in the area of the front skirt to form a frame for the shield-like, highly polished, black radiator grille. The radiator grille features a honeycomb mesh and is surrounded, characteristically for a GTI, by a red trim strip. Beneath this are three large air inlets in the bumper that supply the new FSI turbo engine with fresh air. As in the radiator grille, each of the inlets have mesh panels with a honeycomb structure. Furthermore, in best GTI style, the underside area of the vehicle features deep black body parts in the way of sill panels and end elements in the front and rear skirts. The sill panels are drawn high into the wheelarches to act as protection against stone chips. In contrast to the Trendline, Comfortline and Sportline versions, the rear end makes its mark characteristically for a GTI with an even more striking roof spoiler and chrome twin tail pipes. Interior The interior design - cult status? This came about thanks to the exterior, the drive technology and the interior. The GTI concept of 2003 takes this history further. The original GTI did not just become a great hit with the fans due to its performance, its agile handling properties and exterior design, even its individually designed interior set new standards thanks to an ergonomic and sporty style. Details such as the sports seats, with legendary criss-cross design on black background, the three-spoked sports steering wheel or the gearstick knob shaped like a golf ball were the counterpoints that attracted a new sporty clientele. Time flies: More noble than ever and catapulted almost three decades into the future, the GTI concept carries on this dynamic style further. With anthracite headliner and anthracite coloured pillar trim panels, the interior is characterised by markedly high attention to detail. As the doors are opened, the journey therefore starts in a new but familiar GTI world. The sports seating features black matt and anthracite coloured suede and, in addition, the interior is refined with brushed aluminium The entry step trim, pedals and floor panels of the concept are all finished in brushed aluminium. As an anti-slip measure, the aluminium is enhanced with rubber strips. The completely new leather sports seats (contoured single seats are also installed in the rear) have an ergonomically perfect and inviting appeal just by looking at them. Take a seat and the appeal is confirmed. The very high backrests, in particular, and adjustable head restraints, integrated here optically, create an ambience of extraordinary sporty functionality. Detailed perfection is a bonus: GTI logos are embroidered into the head restraints. The upholstery trim of the seats has also been newly designed: The main material used is black, fine suede. Running across this are narrow strips of perforated suede; the front surface of the head restraints is covered with this on the inner area. As with the first GTI generation of 1976, this GTI concept of 2003 is also distinguished by a three spoke steering wheel with metal elements. The leather steering wheel features a brushed aluminium element in each of the spokes. A further GTI logo is embroidered in the vertical spoke. The moulded grips of the steering wheel, that is on the left and right of the cross spoke extensions, are covered in suede, similar to that used in the world of racing. The instruments in the vehicle were also revamped. Their graphic layout and design give an image of technical precision in its highest form. Each of the round main instruments is surrounded by a ring of machined aluminium. The rev counter mounted on the left has an ample range up to 8000 rpm, hitting the red line area from 7000 rpm. This clear overview is continued with the scaling of the speedometer. Technology The constructive basis of the compact sports car is the fifth generation, 22 million bestseller Golf. The two door version, though, is more striking than ever in terms of the design compared to the four door, with a much higher waistline at the rear. Technically, the GTI concept features all of the advantages of the Golf series that are generally set as the standard in its class. Included here are the extremely high quality bodywork, the new safety running gear designed for driving dynamics (including ESP and dual brake assist system), the new electro-mechanical steering, the efficient technology of fuel stratified injection (FSI) - enhanced in the case of the GTI with a turbocharger, and the spectacular direct selection gearbox (DSG). In contrast to the standard production model, the concept vehicle naturally has numerous differences. With the high output and GTI philosophy in mind, the car features a substantially stiffer, but still comfortable, sporty running gear. Newly designed 18 inch alloy wheels, sporting wide tyres, provide the majestic contact with the road and ensure that the larger sized braking system, with red finished brake calipers, is well accommodated. The exhaust system is completely new and features twin tail pipes. The question is now will the concept make it to series GTI production? The signs are extremely good. Relevant tests and preparations are underway. And the product launch date? Let's just say: If it's high-tech and outstanding performance, with the GTI philosophy in mind, that people are looking for, they will find it all at the 2004 Motor Show in Paris. The stage will then be set to make what we can expect of the GTI in the future, a GTI that we can have now. Story by Volkswagen AG

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_kia_kcv-iii-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_kia_kcv-iii-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_kia_kcv-iii-3.jpg Kia Motors Corporation will unveil its latest concept car, the stunning KCV-III, 2+2 convertible coupe, at Frankfurt's IAA 2003 motor show on Tuesday 9 September. Kia has created KCV-III to show how powerful emotions, the cyber style artistic movement, and young consumers' dream-world computer fantasies, can be combined and expressed in automotive terms. KCV-III has the appearance of a fun-to-own, street toy on the outside, but it's a toy that is packed with high technology on the inside. Fun to drive, fun to live with, KCV-III delivers an extreme driving experience in terms of complete user enjoyment and driver involvement, plus tactile and visual excitement. With a fully-automatic, all-solar-glass, convertible roof, KCV-III is designed to make occupants feel part of the environment - both with the roof open and closed. Securely in touch with the road sweeping beneath the cars wide alloy wheels and tyres, they are always aware of the landscape blurring past and the sky streaming overhead. Aimed at Generation Y customers, this Kia has visual cool, and boasts many automatic functions, including forward-looking radar, a mobile telematics system, in-dash DVD and an MP3 player. The body styling of KCV-III encapsulates occupants and hardware in a multiplicity of fluid curves, while the wide stance and bulging wheel arches give the car a striking road-presence way beyond its compact dimensions. Designed at Kia's Namyang design centre, the KCV-III was built in France by Heuliez. Story by Kia

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2004_chrysler_300c_touring-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2004_chrysler_300c_touring-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2004_chrysler_300c_touring-3.jpg Chrysler Group will provide further evidence of its rapid-fire new product offensive in Europe and other international markets when it reveals the new Chrysler 300C Touring Concept at the 60th International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt on Tuesday, September 9. The new Chrysler 300C Touring concept is the wagon version of the Chrysler 300C sedan concept, which was revealed earlier this year at the New York International Auto Show. The Chrysler 300C sedan concept will make its European show debut alongside the new Touring version at the IAA. The Touring concept expands the Chrysler 300C model range and shares most of the design, powertrain, chassis, equipment, interior appointments and technical specifications of the sedan concept. Adding all-wheel drive, a high level of versatility and roomy comfort for driver and passengers - matched with the ride and handling of a European sports sedan - the new Touring will enable the Chrysler brand to compete in the European E segment where around 40 per cent of sales are wagon derivatives. A production version of the Chrysler 300C Touring concept will be available exclusively outside of North America late next year, further solidifying the Chrysler brand's premium position in the market. With an entirely new shape based on the company's all-new rear-drive architecture, the striking concept sedan - and now the wagon - continue the Chrysler brand's proud letter series tradition, but in a thoroughly modern way. These two Chrysler 300C concepts also mark the return of the HEMI engine to the Chrysler brand after more than 30 years. The legendary engine design that powered Chrysler's 'letter series' cars in the 1950s has been re-engineered and reborn as a modern, high-performance and durable powerplant known as the all-new 5.7-litre HEMI V-8. The HEMI fitted to the 300C vehicles is very fuel competitive in its class and produces more power and torque than any Chrysler brand passenger car engine since the 426 HEMI of the '60s and '70s..

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_hyundai_css-1.jpg Based upon the admired Tiburon V6, the CCS Convertible study is a highly appealing exploration of styling and technical possibilities demonstrated by its unique three-phase slide and fold glass roof developed by renowned convertible and cabriolet specialists Karmann of Osnabruck. At the touch of a button the driver can change from glass roof, to open roof to complete top-down convertible. The result is a car matched to any weather conditions, giving maximum occupant comfort and designed to impress, whether parked au cafe or cruising the countryside. It also previews many aspects of convertible interior and exterior styling and packaging, many of which may well influence the design of future Hyundai cars. Roof In folding hardtop roof terminology, the slide and folding roof system of the Hyundai CCS is the third generation. The first generation was the typical metal folding roof, the second the retractable glass roof. This third generation builds on the experience gained with the first two and refines it to offer maximum choice of open-air motoring. In mixed weather the driver merely touches one button to send the glass roof sliding back over the rear window. By sliding outside, rather than inside, this maximises rear headroom. At this stage the side supports remain in position, so if the weather changes the roof slides quickly and smoothly back to the closed position. From open roof to full top-down convertible demands only the touch of a second button. This folds the rear screen with the forward roof supports under the forward opening rear decking while adjusting the sliding roof panel in relation to them to give maximum luggage space. And it's also remote controlled. The whole process is elegantly engineered and appears deceptively simple, the key to its superiority over preceding designs. The system has less moving parts and less pivot points than earlier systems, resulting in reduced extra weight (less than 140kg over Tiburon) and the rear shelf moves only in a single plane rather than lifting or twisting. One fascinating aspect of the roof is the potential for further development. Solar panels, or similar energy sources, are more easily assimilated than into more complex structures. Other materials, and lining methods, can be incorporated without compromising the essential benefits of the structure, so adding even more flexibility. Sytling Using the acclaimed styled Tiburon as a basis has helped ensure that the CCS is attractive, the most noticeable styling changes predictably aft of the doors. The slightly raised level of the boot lid/rear decking fits the folded roof while still offering the largest boot volume in the sector. Harmonious modifications to the rear flanks, taillights and front headlight clusters have been achieved, preserving the car's distinctive lines. New 18 inch, 15-spoke alloy wheels with 225/40 x 18 Michelin tyres give a lighter and sportier outlook. A new colour finish, Warm Silver, was developed while the paintwork shimmers with glass micro-elements. The Hyundai CCS is a car styled to appeal to the emotions. A car that looks just as good in the car park as on the highway, a car which expresses a distinct personality and a degree of personal confidence without being aggressive. Interior The whole concept of the CCS Convertible is designed to give a feeling of airy space, freedom and excitement combined with personal control over precisely how much open air or weather the occupants want. This is most appreciable from inside. Both the steering wheel and dashboard are trimmed in brown leather, adding tactile sophistication to an already well appointed and sportive office. The metallic elements, including the ventilation and a/c outlets, speaker surrounds, bezels etc., have been specially treated with a warm glow process that blends them discreetly into this ambience, again adding an extra element of refinement. A premium 280W Becker sound system and Infinity speakers provide appropriate aural pleasures. The brown leather trimmed seats feature woven and ventilated central inserts and the front seats are Tiburon's supportive sports style items developed with Recaro, with eight-way adjustment and memory system. The rear seats have been slightly modified to accommodate the new roof system, but the rear passenger space remains an object lesson in good convertible interior packaging. Boot capacity is an impressive 443 litres with the roof closed and 244 litres with it folded. Powertrain The CCS delivers zestful performance thanks to Hyundai's well-proven Delta 2.7 litre, all alloy quad-cam V6 which transmits up to 127kW of power and 245 Nm of torque through an Aichi-built six-speed close-ratio gearbox as fitted to the Tiburon V6. Chassis, Safety Due to the intrusion of the roof into the boot and the need to maximise boot capacity, the rear suspension was shortened and rearranged to give a supple but precise ride without losing the long travel smoothness and compliance of Tiburon's suspension. In terms of passive safety, Karmann have provided the CCS Convertible with rigidity almost matching Tiburon levels by drawing on its experience of building over two million open cars since 1949 and all of the advanced safety features of Tiburon. Highlights Unique glass slide and fold roof Triple mode choice: Closed, Open, or Full Convertible Remote roof control with fully automatic boot lid system New Warm Silver paintwork with micro glass chips New front and rear lights Radius R3 18 alloy wheels with Michelin 225/40x18 tyres 2+2 configuration preserved Woven leather seat inserts Leather trimmed dashboard & steering wheel Warm glow metallic interior trim elements Climate Control Story by Hyundai Automotive

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_mazda_kusabi-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_mazda_kusabi-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_mazda_kusabi-3.jpg Sharing centre stage with the new Mazda3 at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show is a new Mazda concept car: an exciting four-seat sports sub-compact, the Mazda Kusabi. A unique combination of attributes, it delivers all the strengths of a small modern sports car--with a stylish and aggressive exterior, a spirited 1.6-liter common-rail diesel engine with six-speed transmission and superb dynamic characteristics--but adds a revolutionary Twin-Lift Hatchback door system, four seats and high levels of interior functionality and style to make everyday city driving more fun and exciting. Everyday sports concept The new Mazda Kusabi Design Concept car represents a further evolution of Mazda's DNA, this time in an exciting diesel sports sub-compact derived from the Mazda2 platform. The modern sub-compact segment offers customers affordable cars with low emissions and fuel consumption--for less environmental impact in today's congested urban areas. Due to their small size, they are agile and easy to use, especially for normal day-to-day activities such as commuting and shopping. In Japanese, the name Kusabi means 'a bond or connection which ties two things together.' This is an appropriate name for Mazda's new sports sub-compact concept, as it brings together a set of attributes to give customers something completely different than conventional vehicles in this segment. It is based on the unique concept of the everyday sports sub-compact offering customers typical sub-compact strengths--like being small and very manoeuvrable, economical and ecologically sound--with outstanding design and exciting performance, and is yet another fresh example of Mazda's Zoom-Zoom spirit. Stylish and aggressive design The Mazda Kusabi Concept features a short overall length (3800 mm), a wide body (1750 mm) and substantial wheelbase (2490 mm). The extremely short front/rear overhangs and 17-inch wheels further emphasize its low and wide stance and give the car a strong road presence. The basic proportions of its exterior design result in a short, emphatically contoured form that immediately communicates an aggressive, sports-car look and give it a unique exterior design. The front end features a wider, more intricate update of Mazda's signature five-point grille. The headlamps with high-luminance LED's are located within slit openings and lend a sharply sculptured expression to the front end. Press lines extending from the bonnet through the body sides to the rear end have prominent edges which, combined with large 17-inch wheels and pronounced fenders, visually express a feeling of driving excitement. The name Kusabi also means wedge in Japanese and perfectly reflects the wedge-like design of the upper sections of the car. The roof has pronounced edges and slopes down to the rear end in such a way that, when combined with the side and rear windows, forms an X shaped C-pillar in the shape of two wedges. This creates a simple yet unique design that achieves an aggressive sports car personality that truly stands out from the crowd. Contemporary interior design The Mazda Kusabi Concept's interior features a unique design that integrates the instrument panel with a highly rigid annular aluminium frame around the foot wells. The rear strut tower stiffeners in the luggage area also have a sturdy aluminium design. Together these features give visual expression to Mazda Kusabi Concept's robust structure, creating a powerful, sporty ambience inside the cabin. The interior is unified by a simple, geometric design that combines cool metallic elements with soft-textured materials, for a refined, contemporary ambience. With its 2+2 cabin layout, Mazda's new Kusabi sports car concept offers high levels of practicality for normal, everyday tasks. The car features a Twin-Lift Hatchback with a revolutionary new tailgate mechanism that allows easy access and use of the luggage compartment. The Twin-Lift Hatchback arrangement provides two completely different opening modes. There are two split hatch doors that open individually on a hinge mounted longitudinally in the centre of the roof. This opening mode is especially practical for stowing smaller items. However, they also open together like a regular hatchback, facilitating stowage and removal of larger items. The rear seat area of the new Mazda Kusabi offers unparalleled flexibility for a sub-compact diesel sports car. You can either use the rear seats for occupants, or fold them down to create a very usable luggage area. For even more luggage space, you can easily remove the aluminium rear strut tower stiffeners located behind the rear seats. Mazda Kusabi Concept's front seats feature swing seatbacks for easier access to the rear seats of the 2 + 2 cabin. A hinge mechanism fitted between the driver's seat and passenger's seat permits turning of the seatbacks toward the inside in a way similar to a house door, making it easier to get into the back seats. Also, the centrally located hinge mechanism is aluminium with a geometric design. Together with the seats' metallic-look outer frame and the aluminium frame of the instrument panel, it contributes to the powerful, contemporary ambience of the cabin as a whole. As an added feature enhancing everyday use, the aluminium frames running across the bottom of the bulk head trim and door trim have built-in lighting that is linked to door opening and closing. The frame provides a soft glow in the foot wells and functions as a courtesy light for the door trim, facilitating easier entry and exit at night. Chassis / Engine Mazda Kusabi Design Concept's aggressive design, revolutionary Twin-Lift Hatchback, four seats and excellent interior flexibility are combined with Zoom-Zoom dynamic performance to deliver a unique new generation sports car experience. It's compact body and short overhangs minimise the car's yaw inertia moment and contribute to superior handling characteristics. In addition, the highly rigid body features an aluminium frame and the same excellent suspension system as the Mazda2 to achieve levels of driving excitement expected of a Mazda sports car. It combines 17-inch wheels and large (283 mm) front and rear disc brakes for linear and responsive braking action. Combined with a new and spirited diesel engine delivering substantial torque, Mazda Kusabi Concept's stabile and predictable driving dynamics make everyday driving fun and exciting. Mazda Kusabi Concept is equipped with a new 1.6-liter MZ-CD diesel engine with diesel particulate filter (DPF). It is mated to a six-speed Automatic Shift Manual transmission, optimised to allow the driver to get the most out of the engine's torque and power, adding to the sporty enjoyment of driving the car on a daily basis. It combines the excitement of manual shift driving with the comfortable feel of an automatic, and helps make the driver feel one with the car. The 1.6-liter MZ-CD powertrain not only achieves sporty performance but a high level of environmental compatibility as well. It features a highly-rigid block and ultra-high pressure common-rail fuel injection, and is equipped with a DPF system for excellent emissions performance, especially important in urban centres with lots of traffic. It produces 80 kW/110 PS of power--with low levels of noise, harshness and vibration--and 240 Nm of torque on demand. The result is a powertrain that delivers sharp acceleration and ensures that the Mazda Kusabi Concept is agile, responsive and fun to drive in city traffic. Story by Mazda

The Concept-S2 is a compact 4-seater convertible which inherits and builds upon the development concept of its predecessor, the Concept-S, which was introduced at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. The Concept-S2 carries over the Concept-S's dynamic styling and sporty character and further heightens the "fun" factor by incorporating the open feeling of a convertible. Suzuki is determined to push forth with the creation of compact cars that may be "small in size but are styled to project a powerful presence, are fun to drive, and each a joy to own", bringing full satisfaction to the user. The Concept-S series are study models for a new small car which will be manufactured at Magyar Suzuki from 2004, and they fully embody Suzuki's commitment to delivering such satisfaction. Hardware * By using a 3-piece rotating/retracting roof structure which builds upon the technique that was employed on Suzuki's "Cappuccino" 2-seater convertible, the Concept-S2 design provides ample seating space for 4 people. The 3-piece rotating/retracting roof is composed of a 2-piece roof front, a roof rear and a rear window, powered by an electric motor each component rotates and retracts into the rear luggage compartment. * Powering the Concept-S2 is a lightweight, compact and powerful all-aluminum 1600 cm3 DOHC 16-valve engine featuring a host of technological feedback from lessons learned through participation in the Junior World Rally Championship. The engine is linked to a 6-speed sequential MTA transmission. * The instrument panel includes a 13-inch information display for the "Suzuki Advanced Navigation System for Concept-S2," which was designed with an eye on compatibility with telematics functions anticipated in the future. * The meter section features a multi-functional TFT LCD meter, representing Suzuki's suggestion for a next-generation meter design. Exterior * The 3-piece rotating/retracting roof design achieves minimum space requirements for housing the roof and provides ample seating space for 4 people, despite the Concept-S2's compact size; the roof is also styled so that the Concept-S2's styling is distinctively dynamic and sporty, whether its roof is in place or retracted. * A "wraparound window" design, which hides the front pillars from view and shows the windows at the front and sides as one piece, is a critical part of the Concept-S2's distinct styling, a distinguishing feature which makes this vehicle recognizable at a glance even from a distance. * The body color of the Concept-S2 is pearl-yellow, which has a richer feel than simple yellow. The roof section is a matte-finish pearl white, thus composing a 2-tone body color expressing both a sporty feel and a casual, fun image. Interior * The interior design combines a rounded basic form - harmonizing with the wraparound window design on the outside - with an instrument panel styled with a flowing line and projecting a solid impression. The result is an interior design with a simple and dynamic overall image. * The 13-inch monitor at the center of the instrument panel and the controls right below, along with the multi-functional TFT LCD meter in the instrument panel section, not only feature cutting-edge design, but are also both functional machine-driver interfaces that are easy to familiarize oneself with and easy to operate. * The interior color is a black/ivory 2-tone, expressing both a sporty feel and a fun, casual image. The roof lining has a playful "blue sky" design motif, presenting passengers a feeling of clear blue skies overhead even when the roof has to be in place for rainy weather. Software * The "Suzuki Advanced Navigation System for Concept-S2" features an on-screen female character serving as a virtual navigator (see note below) to assist users, thus enhancing ease of use as a machine-user interface. The system also comes with various features including a vehicle-to-vehicle mutual communication function which makes it possible to share information on the position of the car with other vehicles on the road, along with a display of real-time weather information for the areas the vehicle is heading for - a necessary piece of equipment for a convertible of the future! * The multi-function TFT LCD meter positioned in front of the driver is Suzuki's suggestion for how the next generation of meters might look. Making use of the advantage of LCD, the meter displays, in an easy-to-read manner, an analog (that is, ordinary needle-and-scale type) tachometer during normal operation, and animated information such as seatbelt warning and malfunction notification in the event of an emergency. Note: Copyright of the computer-graphics female character used as the virtual navigator belongs to "CASIO EN Project". If you wish to use a display sequence which shows this virtual character in your catalogs, visual footages, press releases, etc., please make sure to mention "CASIO EN Project" (unnecessary in case of written descriptions). Concept-S2 basic specifications Overall length 3,695mm Overall width 1,730mm Overall height 1,490mm Wheelbase 2,390mm No. of passengers 4 Power unit 1,597 cm3, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC, NA (naturally aspirated) Drive train Front wheel drive Transmission Sequential 6-speed MTA Roof retraction method 3-piece rotating/retracting roof (Suspension type, tire sizes and maximum power/torque will be announced at a later date.)

Mitsubishi "Eye" Concept If you think, turnaround plan of the Mitsubishi automobile, becoming the shape discernibly of the general user, the fact that it appears was the Frankfurt motor show of 2 years ago. Ever since, as for Mitsubishi as for the ardent match and the attitude it does not change to

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2001_opel_astra_xtreme-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2001_opel_astra_xtreme-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2001_opel_astra_xtreme-3.jpg The very best of motor sport engineering applied to a road car, a tempting concept that was born into Opel's motor sport department in 1999. The idea was a natural next step after the company showed an Astra Coup

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_vauxhall_vx_lightning-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_vauxhall_vx_lightning-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_vauxhall_vx_lightning-3.jpg 'Keep it simple, pure, and beautiful.' The words of GM vice president Bob Lutz when launching the Solstice concept in the US. This was the basic requirement for Vauxhall's new concept car, the VX Lightning. Being launched as a centrepiece to the company's Centenary celebrations, the VX Lightning is a two-seater roadster based on the same technical foundation as the Pontiac concept Solstice, first seen at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Vauxhall's roadster concept, however, has been designed for British tastes, at GM's UK Advanced Design Studio in the Midlands. Under the long bonnet of the VX Lightning is a new version of Vauxhall's all aluminium 2.2 ECOTEC engine, reworked with a supercharger to produce a maximum power of 240hp and 305Nm of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox is mated to the new engine, which drives the rear wheels. The chassis incorporates independent suspension, the front end using a simple and reliable strut configuration with a rack and pinion steering. At the rear, the independent suspension is all aluminium for weight saving. Overall, the car manages a near perfect 50:50 weight distribution for the best in handling and agility. Kevin Wale, Vauxhall chairman and managing director says: 'The VX Lightning says everything about where Vauxhall is heading. The car represents a return to our early performance roots when Vauxhall was famous as the manufacturer of the first true British sports car - while we continue to be both innovative and bold in exterior and interior design. ' Design Designed in the UK, the VX Lightning is a classically proportioned sports car with a long bonnet and short rear overhang. There are also some subtle echoes of the past, including the rollover hoops sculptured into the rear deck and bodywork which flows down into the cabin. Fitting for a car with the presence of the VX Lightning, it sits on 19inch alloy wheels at the front (fitted with 245/35 Michelin Pilot tyres) while at the rear massive 20 inch alloys are fitted with 255/35 tyres. Inside, deeply sculptured seats are finished in black and red leather, while red leather has also been used to trim the sweeping dashboard. There are currently no plans to build the VX Lightning concept, however Vauxhall will be closely monitoring public reaction to this great new car.

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_chrysler_300c-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_chrysler_300c-2.jpg Today, Chrysler redefines the classic American automobile with the worldwide debut of the Chrysler 300C concept at the 2003 New York International Auto Show. With an entirely new shape based on the company's all-new rear-drive architecture, this striking concept sedan continues the Chrysler brand's proud letter series tradition - but in a thoroughly modern way. It's been nearly five decades since Chrysler first introduced its fabled letter series cars. The brand's renowned line of Chrysler 300s started with the C-300 in 1955, and continued for 11 years. Few American automakers have since matched their reputation for blending performance, prestige and sheer presence. Chrysler 300C features classic proportions -- a long hood, short deck and a dramatic profile complete with 20-inch tires. Paying tribute to some of the first letter series cars, a production version similar to the Chrysler 300C concept will go on sale in 2004, further solidifying the Chrysler brand's premium position in the market. While Chrysler 300C is a concept vehicle, it provides a strong hint at the first sedan from Chrysler Group's much-anticipated next generation of rear-wheel drive vehicles to debut in 2004. The Chrysler 300C concept also marks the return of the HEMI engine to the Chrysler brand after more than 30 years. The legendary engine design that powered Chrysler's letter series cars in the 1950s has been re-engineered and reborn as a modern, high-performance, fuel-efficient and durable powerplant known as the all-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8. Transferring all this power to the pavement is Chrysler's new rear-drive architecture. Rear-wheel drive offers improved handling with front wheels steering and rear wheels driving. With tremendous advances in tire technology and electronic stability control, Chrysler brings back the rear-wheel drive passenger sedan.

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_mazda_washu-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_mazda_washu-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_mazda_washu-3.jpg The Mazda Washu is an innovative six-seat concept that presents a new genre of vehicles. It is well proportioned and features Mazda's product DNA in every aspect of the vehicle. Low and sleek, the six-seat concept also works to tear down the barriers that traditionally separate sports cars and family cars. Just as the all-new 2003 Mazda RX-8 is a unique approach to the four-seat performance car, the new Washu concept is an innovative approach to a six-seat configuration. Modern proportions combined with the wide, low-slung layout are applied to the exterior. The beltline extends slightly outward to provide a sense of enhanced interior spaciousness, while the glass area is maximized by reaching upward to the roof to provide an open, airy feeling in the cabin. The roof also incorporates extensive glass area to further enhance the spacious feeling. The exterior design has been evolved through an elimination of side mirrors and the use of sleek LED headlamps. In addition, the LED headlamps are equipped with an Automatic Focusing System (AFS) linked to the vehicle's steering mechanism. This system enhances visibility while cornering at night by adjusting the direction of the light as the vehicles steers through a corner. The airplane doors first open outward and then slide rearward. With the sliding door fully extended, the doors provide an opening that measures 1,100mm across, with an additional 400-mm opening in the roof section. This allows passengers to enter the vehicle in an almost upright position, making it dramatically easier. The Washu concept benefits from a low, flat floor and long wheelbase, both of which help to maximize interior space. The seats in the Washu are captain's chairs and can be arranged in a flexible manner to accommodate a variety of passenger and cargo-carrying chores. The middle pair of seats is electrically powered and can be independently moved fore-and-aft a full 645mm. The seats can also slide to the side to allow easier access to the rearmost seats. Eliminating the need for a traditional steering shaft, steer-by-wire technology also makes it possible to neatly store the steering wheel inside the instrument panel when the vehicle is parked. Further, the adjustable instrument panel makes access to the front of the car more convenient, as it can be moved upward a full 300mm - and steering wheel stowed - making getting in or out of the front seats particularly easy. In addition to this, from the stowed position, an ID card is used to automatically deploy the instrument panel and steering wheel into the driving position. Features at a glance: -Roof with LCD*3 dimmer glass that can be switched electrically between transparent and non-transparent states. -LCD Multi-Information display that controls driving information services. -Video monitors mounted on the sides of the front doors (in place of traditional side mirrors) and on the rear gate, allowing the driver to monitor all angles of the vehicle. -Climate control system without traditional air conditioning and heating nozzles. -Large, 15-inch DVD screen mounted in the ceiling of the rear seat to enable video playback of DVD movies. -The Mazda Washu is equipped with an electrical parking brake system. Pressing the brake pedal when the car is stopped automatically engages the parking brake, and pressing the accelerator automatically disengages it. Story by Mazda Motor Corp

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_fiat_simba-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_fiat_simba-2.jpg A name redolent of the Savannah and a vehicle with a shape that speaks of journeys and adventure despite an ability to slip through traffic jams with equal ease. These are the distinctive features of the Fiat Simba, the car that caused such a stir among the public and motoring journalists at the 26th Bologna Motor Show (the model's world premiere). The Fiat Simba is a revolutionary concept due to its original styling and versatility, a prototype that will open up new horizons in the minicar segment. It is the first example in Europe of an off-roader that is small yet able to combine the idea of roughing it with the comfort and performance of a conventional car. The Fiat designers were able to delve into the great technical and design heritage Fiat has built up over decades and apply the skills of a company that has led the compact vehicle market for more than seventy years. With an eye on changing customer profiles within the sector and the good potential growth prospects, we came up with the Simba. This is, in essence, a car with a dual personality that conveys an immediate impression of freshness and fun backed by solidity and sturdiness. The Fiat Simba, created to entertain yet also to surprise the most sceptical young customer, may be envisaged (and experienced) as an authentic off-road vehicle you could take on a desert rally or drive through dense jungle vegetation. Or it could be a fun small car capable of navigating intricate city centre streets and slaloming through traffic with ease. No obstacles could possibly stand in the way of the Fiat Simba's four wheel drive system (4x4 with viscous coupling) and neat size (3680 mm long, 1730 mm high and 1630 mm wide). Externally, the prototype is distinguished by crisp body lines and typical off-road equipment: big headlights, spare wheel on the roof, broad windscreen for the best visibility and straight sides for ease of manoeuvring. Story by Fiat

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_alfa_romeo_kamal-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_alfa_romeo_kamal-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_alfa_romeo_kamal-3.jpg Kamal: Where Opposites Meet In Sanskrit 'Kamal' indicates the colour red. In Arabic, the same term stands for 'perfection' or the 'synthesis of opposites'. Different languages, and different meanings which balance and mutually complement each other in the same word. An evocative force to describe the latest concept car from Alfa Romeo, presented at the 73rd Geneva International Motor Show. It is called Kamal, and it marks an authentic conceptual and stylistic leap forward in the international car scene. New horizons and brand new segments are opening up, and Alfa wants to play an important part. At this point it is easy to imagine the enormous effort that the Alfa Romeo Business Unit has poured into one ambitious goal it set itself: to present the concept of 'elegant sportiness', which has always been a distinctive feature of the Brand, in a completely new form, that is unique in its way. Through a complex, refined interplay of allusions, Kamal reminds us of Alfa Romeo's glorious traditions in the sports car sector, while at the same time it also includes attractive ideas that look to the future and new developments in the SUV - MPV segments in particular. A mix of style and design that represents a distinctive crossover of cultures. The model is a fusion of different vehicle types. It combines the off-road performance of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) with the driving satisfaction and handling characteristics of a compact Alfa Romeo. At the same time, it offers a versatile, functional passenger compartment typical of a Multi Purpose Vehicle due above all to clever use of space and a wide range of seat configurations. Everything comes packed into an unmistakable Alfa shape designed by the Arese Style Centre. The car would be just as at home on the intricate streets of a European city as it would on a desert track of frontier landscape. In other words, Kamal arouses emotion, it make driving enjoyable, it makes you want to live life to the full and satisfies a desire for unfettered travel that knows no boundaries of age or sex. Driving Pleasure A love of driving, a love of travelling. If the first has always been one of Alfa's strengths, the second becomes an obligatory choice when, in addition to the Alfa temperament, the car also has to have the comfort of a saloon. For this reason, Kamal was designed with double wishbone suspension all round. This layout makes driving extremely enjoyable, combining the complete control typical of front wheel drive with exceptional sportiness and pinpoint accuracy, exploited in full on mixed routes. What is more Kamal suspension has height adjustable air springs which are lowered automatically when a certain speed is reached: the effect is that of a car that really grips the road. That is not all. The driver can adjust the suspension height according to the type of use: higher off the road, lower on the road. On Kamal, the superb comfort guaranteed by the suspension is enhanced by the exuberant temperament that we have come to expect from an Alfa sports car. This is why the concept car was designed with a powerful 3.2 V6 24V delivering 250 bhp. Powerful, but more than anything 'round', as a six cylinder unit should be. An engine that can provide not only exceptional performance and peaks of power and torque, but also a smooth, progressive power delivery even at low speeds. In other words a car that is capable of exciting performance but is also suitable for our everyday roads and not only for the race track. The power output is 250 bhp at 6200 rpm, with peak torque of 300 Nm (30.6 kgm) at 4800 rpm. Which is sufficient to guarantee exciting performance, and a torque curve that reaches very high values even at low speeds, allowing you to travel in 6th at less than 2000 rpm and to slip rapidly away without needing to change gear. The gearbox is the famous Selespeed unit with an operating logic derived from Formula 1, which makes for faster gear changes at low and high speeds. Sophisticated suspension, a brilliant engine, the latest generation gearbox and direct steering, that responds precisely and rapidly. This winning combination produces the incredibly enjoyable drive of Kamal, which is pure Alfa Romeo. With an extra something. The prototype has a lower centre of gravity than a conventional SUV, increasing the car's stability, and it is also lower; this improves the Cd and thus performance (the estimate top speed exceeds 200 km/h). On top of which Kamal was designed with VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) to ensure absolute mastery over the car in all conditions, even the most extreme, as well as ASR (Anti Slip Regulation). The first is a device that kicks in during emergency braking, while the second intervenes at any speed, assisted by the brakes and the engine management, to optimise traction. Versatility Of An MPV It is 435 centimetre long, 186 cm wide and 162 cm high, measurements that make Kamal a unique vehicle of its type in the world. It has four doors that have a particular opening system. While the front doors open in the normal way with a handle, the rear doors are side-hinged, activated by an internal mechanism. The rear window is also a novelty because it opens independently of the tailgate. The latter has a small 'flap' which can be lowered and extended to the ground, to make loading even easier. And by folding away the rear seats, it is possible to create a flat, easily accessible loading area. The luggage compartment exceeds 400 litres and there are also numerous oddment compartments and glass recesses in the central tunnel. The tunnel can even be used to keep drinks cool, thanks to cold air from the climate control system. The enormous transparent roof is also an innovative touch. Styling: A New Format Kamal was designed at the Alfa Romeo Styling Centre and it certainly has a strong personality. It concentrates two types of concept in its styling: belonging to the Alfa range and, more unusual for this class of car, a resemblance to an on-road rather than an off-road vehicle. From the brand DNA it inherited its compactness, which is extremely important for manoeuvring, and formal balance. It is compactness that gives the versatility which enables Kamal to be used both on the track and off the road. It slips into the role of the everyday car with a natural elegance. Kamal is the embodiment of elegant sportiness: a fascinating exciting feature with a fresh, young appeal. Let us take a closer look. Long bonnet. Small roof positioned towards the rear. Wrapround glazing. Wheels flush with the body. High waistline. A feeling of balanced masses. This is the first impression. The front. The emphasis is on the three-leaf clover effect with the foglights incorporated into the side inlets. An important stylistic touch that makes an Alfa Romeo immediately recognisable from a distance. The simple, refined designed of the shield with the chromed surround and metal grill that underlines its sporty appeal. The lines that shape the bonnet start from the shield like two arrows diverging towards the uprights. The bonnet is large and dynamic, linking up smoothly into the windscreen that itself runs into the roof, making the roof incredibly light. The first element we notice at the side is the ratio between the glazing and the sheet metal: the former predominates. This characteristic gives the sense of sportiness and sturdiness that we were expecting. It is attenuated and balanced by the elegant, soft line of the strong 'shoulders' on the wings, which create a sort of double wave. The shape of the rear pillar is typical of Alfa Romeo, with the strong dynamic impetus of the angle. The tapered side draws our attention to the way the body rests on the large wheels, and lightens the overall effect. At the rear, the focus on the passenger compartment underlines the pyramid shape which starts from the small section of the roof, and gets wider towards the rear upright and the wheelarch, giving the impression of a vehicle that is anchored to the road. The position of the lights with their horizontal shape is perfectly in tune with the brand's 'family feeling'. Their monochrome colour and extremely high tech features make them resemble jewels set into the sheet metal. The way the exhaust terminal is incorporated into the lower part of the bumper is a final touch of elegance. Story by Alfa Romeo

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_daewoo_scope-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_daewoo_scope-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_daewoo_scope-3.jpg GM Daewoo introduces the spacious Flex concept car at the Seoul Motor Show. Equipped with numerous high-tech features, Flex combines next-generation transportation and the latest information technology systems with MPV styling. Equipped with a powerful V-6 common-rail Diesel engine, the Flex offers a powerful, safe and smooth ride. The result is a fun, futuristic and good-looking vehicle. The Flex has a wide, sleek body with a touch of geometry to its lines. The interior has all the comforts of home. Users can get up-to-date information on traffic conditions and enjoy a range of entertainment, etc. Passengers can easily turn the cabin into a bedroom, an office, a camper or even a cargo holder. Story by GM Daewoo

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_rinspeed_bedouin-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_rinspeed_bedouin-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_rinspeed_bedouin-3.jpg Rinspeed Design, the Swiss creativehouse for automotive concepts and emotions, once again presents a unique attraction a this year's Geneva Auto Show, the Rinspeed Bedouin. The sporty lines of the Bedouin are reminiscent of the Porsche 911, type 996, from which it takes the 4x4 platform. Thanks to a sporty yet comfortable custom Eibach suspension, the body of the Bedouin sits about 15 centimeters higher than that of the Porsche equivalent. The suspension, which features adjustable ride height and firmness, offers a synthesis of comfort and handling. Transformation In less than ten seconds, the Bedouin can be transformed from a roomy two-seater pick-up into a sporty yet spacious four-seater wagon. With its high roofline the Bedouin also offers lots of room and seating comfort for rearseat passengers. Futhermore, the increase of interior space can be used as an enclosed cargo bed by folding down the backrest of the rear seats. The transformational sequence is started by two electric motors that drive jackscrews to lift the entire roof of the vehicle. The front part of the roof then folds and in effect becomes the tailgate window while the rear part of the roof turns into the cargo bed. The tailgate is also electrically powered and can be lowered to extend the bed by another 45 centimeters to an overall length of 185 centimeters. Fast Natural Gas Natural gas is tomorrows fuel. The enormous potential of natural gas for protecting the environment is not limited to stationary use. It can also help reduce the amounts of nitrous oxides, particulate matter, CO2 and hydrocarbons. Engines running on natural gas are also quieter than their conventional counterparts. The Rinspeed Bedouin is powered by a future-oriented environment-friendly twin-turbo engine running on natural gas. Natural gas is an extremely clean-burning fuel that consists almost entirely of methane and contains almost no sulfur. Protecting the environment does not preclude driving fun: The four-valve engine is from Porsche and produces 420 hp / 309 kW at 6,000 rpm. It delivers its impressive maximum torque of 560 Nm at just 2,700 rpm. Performance is accordingly proud: The 1,640-kg Bedouin accelerates in roughly 5.9 seconds to 100 km/h and reaches an electronically and mechanically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Story by Rinspeed Design

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_peugeot_hoggar-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_peugeot_hoggar-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_peugeot_hoggar-3.jpg Resembling an imposing 2-seater buggy, the Peugeot Hoggar looks avant-garde and unreal at first sight. Vast open spaces spring to mind, easily accessible to judge from the car's robustness and latent power. The Style In elevation, the Hoggar has no overhang, thereby offering a highly compact volume with condensed proportions. The front wing rises over the tyre and falls back gently, before rising again abruptly at the rear wheel. This creates a general profile that is both elegant and dynamic and which, combined with the rear projection, expresses the strength and robustness of a crouching animal ready to pounce. Following the example of the RCs , the bonnets front end envelops the grille, which houses the lion badge of the marque. Its rear end extends into the passenger compartment by means of dual, rounded sections that pass through the windscreen and culminate in two instrument panels. The cat-like headlamps resemble half-closed but watchful eyes, while at the rear a sinewy impression is created, reinforcing the animal nature of the Hoggar, ready to leap from dune to dune. The cultured interior features the refinement of metal and leather. Like everything which the passengers are in contact with, the dynamically designed seats are padded and covered with supple leather synonymous with luxury and comfort. Engineering The Hoggar is a sports car for extreme conditions, with two seats and two up to the minute power trains deployed transversally, one at the front, the other at the rear, giving it the attributes of a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The car consists principally of a one-piece carbon honeycomb shell reinforced by two upper longitudinal roll-over bars made from stainless steel, each with a diameter of 76 mm. These tubes also serve as an air intake and air conduit to the front engine (left-hand tube) and rear engine (right-hand tube). At the front of the carbon structure, as at the rear, there is a tubular sub-frame designed to support each power train. Attached to the carbon shell at six points at the front and four at the rear, these tubular frames also accommodate all suspension fittings, including the double wishbones. Each power train incorporates the same turbocharged four-cylinder Diesel HDi engine with dual overhead camshaft and sixteen valves. Their displacement is 2168 cm3 and their maximum power 133 kW. The two engines therefore supply a combined power of 266 kW or nearly 360 bhp and a maximum torque of 800 Nm. Each ML 6C gearbox is driven by electrically-controlled hydraulic actuators. The sequential gear change operates by means of control plates under the steering wheel or a lever on the central console. A fully automatic mode is also available. The suspension of this concept car features double wishbones at the front and rear. Each axle is equipped with an anti-roll bar. The light-alloy wishbones allow generous clearance both in terms of compression (250 mm) and expansion (250 mm). To guarantee steering accuracy despite a total travel of 500 mm, each front suspension unit has a decoupled pivot. The four suspension units are fitted with two spring/gas damper units, each equipped with a gas reservoir. This additional capacity makes it possible to increase the volume of available gas while retaining a compact damper body. Equipment On board this ultra high-tech open-air vehicle, natural leather and aluminium feature strongly. Two people can sit in the one-piece, cast light-alloy seats, which have leather upholstery. Each occupant is secured by a safety belt, a true four-point harness connected to four small inertia reels. Because the Hoggar is designed as an open-air vehicle, the driver's position is largely open and does not have a roof. The doors are in fact two small panels, forming part of the front wings, beneath which the ground can easily be seen. These panels open in the gull-wing style. Diode technology is widely used for all of the vehicle's signalling lights. For the direction indicator function, the front headlamps incorporate three orange-tinted plexiglass bars, cut like crystal, behind which are located LEDs. Story by Automobiles Peugeot

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2001_steinmetz_funster-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2001_steinmetz_funster-2.jpg With a weight to power ratio of less than 4 kg/HP, the Steinmetz Funster can certainly be classed as a Supersports car. The heart of the Funster is the uprated 2.0 16 V Ecotec Turbo engine developing 220 HP (162 kW) and 280 Nm. This performance in conjunction with the extremely low vehicle weight propels the Funster into dimensions previously reserved exclusively for superlative sports cars. To match the performance, the drive train components such as clutch, gearbox and drive shafts have been strengthened and supplemented by a corresponding cooling system. The special steel exhaust system with the two characteristic Steinmetz horizontal tailpipes in trapezoid shape has been tuned to the engine. The deep, sporting note was of particular importance here. The system also optimises gas flow further. To ensure in principle that all wheels remain on the road, our engineers and technicians have developed a height adjustable racing suspension tested extensively on public roads and in the North Loop of the N

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2002_mg_xpower_sv-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2002_mg_xpower_sv-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2002_mg_xpower_sv-3.jpg Following the development of the X80, the new XPower SV is a modern supercar that may offer 965 bhp in tuned form. This two-seater will be the top model in the MG line-up, although little details are offered about it or any upcoming derivatives. What makes this concept car unique is its carbon-fibre body featuring a flat undertray. Front and rear diffusers are installed in the undertray. These devices were designed by Steve Randle who was responsible for the McLaren F1's areodynamic package. Whether or not such a setup will be used on the production cars is unknown. A Sean Hyland tuned 5.0-litre, quad-cam, V8 engine powers the SV Concept. With this engine, MG-Rover claims the SV reaches 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds with a top speed somewhere around 200 mph. These figures relate only to this concept car and may be carried over to the production version. A race program is also being considered with this new MG. This concept car features rollover protection provided by a tubular structure which complies with FIA competition specifications. MG-Rover also claim the engine will be able to reach 965bhp in race tune. Road-going SVs have a planned release date of spring 2003. It will be offered in plain SV spec, having 326bhp or SV Club Sport spec, having 410bhp. Whether or not the SV will accually reach production is anyones guess.