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Source: https://uncrate.com/nissan-concept-20-23-ev/ Nissan has revealed a rally-inspired EV concept to celebrate 20 years of its London design studio. The two-door hatch is the result of Nissan giving the team full reign to design a car they would like to drive on London's streets. Flared fenders, deep front and side air intakes, and a roof-mounted rear spoiler give the 20-23 a compact, ultra-sporty appearance. While the concept is designed to be an EV, the 20-23 exists only as an exterior study, with scissor doors opening on a digitally rendered interior.

Source: https://uncrate.com/polestar-o2-electric-roadster-concept/ Expanding on the design language introduced with the Precept concept car, the Polestar O2 is a retractable hardtop 2+2 with a focus on driving experience and sustainability. Underneath the O2's angular bodywork is a rigid bonded aluminum chassis propelled by an electric drivetrain. In order to meet Polestar's goal of carbon neutrality, the O2's aluminum components are smelted using renewable energy and are marked by alloy grade, allowing for the parts to be separated and recycled for less waste. As a nod to the age of social media, the O2 has a custom drone that deploys from the rear of the car. A variable-geometry spoiler creates a low-pressure zone, allowing for the drone to be deployed while the car is moving.

BMW officially unveiled the Vision Future Luxury Concept at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, giving the world's media an in-the-flesh look at not only a future design theme for the brand, but a rumored flagship model. This is a looker in person, thanks to its Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe-inspired design, and it's not too difficult to imagine it in production car form, with smaller wheels, larger mirrors and the other minor transformations that take place from drawing board, to auto show and, finally, to assembly line. In general, it seems like there are more than a few parts of this vehicle that are ready for production. This particular concept is wearing an eDrive badge on its backside, indicating that under the Vision Future Luxury's long hood is some form of plug-in-hybrid propulsion. It's anyone's guess as to what engine, battery and motor combinations BMW is playing with, although it does seem questionable whether BMW would launch a PHEV flagship to do battle with a top-rung variant of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (which will likely use V12 power). The BMW Vision Future Luxury furnishes a long-term outlook on the perception of modern luxury for the BMW brand. It stands for a forward-looking fusion of exclusivity and innovation, for a driving experience that is at once emotional and exclusive. All this is conveyed through the outstanding exterior and interior design of the BMW Vision Future Luxury along with its innovative technology, a pioneering lightweight engineering concept and a seamlessly integrated user interface and driving experience that caters optimally to the needs of all occupants. The BMW Vision Future Luxury makes its world debut at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. "Innovative technology and modern luxury have always been an important part of BMW's brand DNA," says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. "We use visionary concept vehicles like the BMW Vision Future Luxury to show where we may be going with these themes in the future, and to give us new inspiration and motivation. The BMW Vision Future Luxury – with its innovative technologies and with meticulous precision and quality in every detail – takes our thinking on modern luxury a logical stage further."

After years of research, BMW is aiming to bring the vision of accident-free mobility closer to reality via BMW ActiveAssist – a package of partially and highly automated driving technologies. The experts at BMW Group Research and Technology have built a research prototype which can pilot its way at high speeds with exceptional precision, adhere to a marked out circular course regardless of road surface, and execute an obstacle-evading lane change. http://dai.ly/x19dkpz Even when deliberately provoked into oversteer the highly automated prototype follows its path safely and along almost identical lines time after time. The sensors delivering the necessary information are akin to the standard fitted systems found on today’s vehicles. Back in October 2009 the BMW Group rolled out its BMW Track Trainer research project to showcase highly automated driving on the ideal line around the gruelling Nurburgring-Nordschleife, race track. Developed by engineers at BMW Group Research and Technology, the BMW Track Trainer later demonstrated its effectiveness on other circuits including the Laguna Seca and Hockenheimring, among others. The BMW Emergency Stop Assistant research project added further important insights to the knowledge pool. If the driver is weakened - for example by a medical emergency like a heart attack – the function switches the vehicle into highly automated driving mode, steer it safely to the side of the road and automatically activate an emergency call. In 2011 a test vehicle covered 65km on a multilane highway in automated mode. The research prototype accelerated, braked and overtook other cars along the way without any driver intervention – while observing traffic laws and keeping pace with the traffic at speeds of up to 130km/h. The prototype has since covered approximately 15,000km. Since February 2013 the BMW Group and Continental have been working together to introduce several test vehicles with close-to-production technology. The BMW Group’s next major goal is to introduce highly automated driving on European motorways and tackle the challenges - such as crossing national borders and negotiating roadworks

KWID CONCEPT, a concept car unveiled at the Delhi Auto Show, highlights both Renault’s commitment to new markets, such as India, as well as the company’s ability to produce appealing products in the compact car segment. The vehicle’s robust, yet fun design, along with its technology-driven features, is targeted at meeting the needs of young customers in these markets. Beyond the playful and imaginative styling of the KWID CONCEPT, the concept car also comes equipped with a host of technology-driven features, led by its Flying Companion. Aimed at offering a safe and fun driving experience, the Flying Companion is the first of its kind in the automotive world. Taking off from the rotating rear portion of the KWID CONCEPT’s roof, the Flying Companion can be operated in one of two modes – the automatic mode using a pre-programmed flying sequence and GPS location, as well as the manual mode, which enables the companion to be controlled using a tablet inside the vehicle. The Flying Companion can be used for a variety of purposes, including scouting traffic, taking landscape pictures and detecting obstacles on the road ahead. The KWID CONCEPT is also Z.E ready - being pre-disposed to receive batteries for electric use - and comes with a charging plug behind the Renault logo. The KWID CONCEPT is powered by the latest-generation downsized 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission to combine driving enjoyment with low fuel consumption. Other technology-rich features include an electric operated front bench seat on a centre rail, electric opening doors, LED lighting and a state-of-the-art gear selector located on the dashboard next to the steering wheel. The vertically-mounted TFT touchscreen display acts as the dashboard in the KWID CONCEPT and also provides access to connected services.

With the world premiere of the Beetle Dune at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Volkswagen gave the public the chance to see a Beetle with a cooler, off-road look. Finished in an 'Arizona', yellow/orange metallic paintwork, the flared wheel arches are finished in a contrasting black. It is no Land Rover for sure, but it looks tough enough to take on the gruelling Dakar Rally don't you think? Overall, the Dune has grown compared with the R-Line model - on which it is based. The overall length has increased to 4,290mm and the car is both 50mm higher off the ground and 20mm taller. The wheel housings widen the body by 27mm per side to give a total width of 1,864mm. Mechanically, the Dune uses the running gear from the Beetle R-Line. Under the hood, there's a 210bhp rated turbocharged 2.0-litre TSI engine running the front wheels. Combined with a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Beetle Dune has a manufacturer estimated fuel economy rating of up to 12.3km/L. As with all U.S. Beetle R-Line models, the electronic XDS differential is also offered as standard. The wheel arch extensions transition into brushed aluminium sill trim panels, between which there's a chrome plated underbody skidplate. Meanwhile, the distinctive Dune logo is placed ahead of the rear fenders. The bottom of the door mirrors are in black, with the rest of the mirror being vapour-coated in aluminium. The front end is revised by the adoption of a new hood, which has a raised centre section, flanked by prominent air vents. Similarly the redesigned front apron features a large central air intake. The Dune team also revamped the interior, with two particular areas of attention. The dashboard is painted in the body colour, while the classic Beetle bin has been replaced by a grab handle that features contrasting black soft-touch material with 'Arizona' and aluminium accents. The outer surfaces of the front sport seats and the two rear seats are upholstered in 'Titan Black' leather, while the centre surfaces are made of 'Ceramic' coloured 'Gobi'breathable sport fabric. The leather and fabric areas and the front and rear of the head restraints have decorative body coloured stitching.

The Toyota FT-1 is a daring design study that will be unveiled in Detroit, U.S.A, which signals the direction of Toyota's future sports car designs. The FT-1 aims to show what can be achieved when the focus is creating a sports car design that will truly excite. The FT in the FT-1 stands for 'Future Toyota' while the number 1 in the nameplate represents the ultimate. The project started nearly two years ago at Calty Design Research, Inc. (Calty), Toyota's design centre in California, U.S.A. The team was inspired by history - with the team, referencing several sports car in Toyota's sports car heritage - going as far back as the 2000GT coupe, released in 1967. In addition, the concept draws inspiration from Calty's more recent sports car concept work such as the FT-HS and the Lexus LF-LC. The bold and sharply styled face suggests powerful performance while dynamic air-intakes, exhaust ports and a McLaren P1 like - retractable wing at the rear - give physical form to the Toyota FT-1's optimum aerodynamic performance. Meanwhile, the cockpit's wraparound windshield and side glass openings are a distinct nod to the design of the legendary Toyota 2000GT. Furthermore, the A-pillars have been positioned as far back as possible to provide increased cornering visibility. The interior is highlighted with an ergonomic cockpit that aims to solely focus on the driver and enhance his/her driving experience. A delta-shaped display zone surrounds and integrates the driver to provide an exhilarating feeling of connectedness with the vehicle. An F1 inspired steering wheel and a colour heads-up display keeps the driver's attention at bay to what he should be doing best - driving. Apparently Toyota's new approach to design will see the marque trying to produce cars that connects more deeply with customers, generating a more satisfying ownership experience that complements the firms legendary reputation for quality, dependability and reliability. Having said all that, ,lets be honest here for a minute. Toyota - being Toyota - can pen concepts that rival the likes of masterpieces from Italy, but their actual production car would resemble nothing like their penned artwork. Remember what happened to the 86, or even the latest Corolla (American spec) ? Having said so, the mildly anime like FT-1 looks drop dead incredible and Toyota will have a global best seller if they can materialise this vision.

One of PlayStation’s popular titles, Gran Turismo, will launch a sixth version on the eve of its 15th anniversary next month with a smattering of spectacular new rides. Mercedes-Benz is one of the manufacturers to have fully engaged its marketing engine for the launch and is helping to kick-off the virtual exercise with a spectacular 585bhp virtual concept named the AMG Vision Gran Turismo. The project reportedly started because of a challenge put forward by Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi. He asked design studios from all across the globe to come up with a concept using the theme “Vision Gran Turismo”. A handful of these, including the AMG Vision Gran Turismo, were selected to be transferred to the virtual world where they will be available in Gran Turismo 6 through online updates. But for Mercedes, the challenge was also an opportunity to explore future design. For the German automaker, future design looks to contain extreme proportions, sensual contours and a high-tech quality. Signature styling elements for the brand are also present, including a long hood, compact greenhouse and broad shoulders. Like the recent Mercedes-Benz SLS and the 300SL from the ’50s, the Vision Gran Turismo comes complete will gullwing doors. Players will be able to drive the new supercar when Gran Turismo 6 launches in December.

[extract] First I went wow, and then I went, hmm, and then I thought the car looks familiar and finally decided to buy one. In Forza or in die cast of course. The one-off extremely b.e.a.u.-tiful BMW Zagato Coupe blends design characteristics of the two companies, almost perfectly through many hours of hand-craftsmanship. To be unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d

[extract] Back in 2009, Zagato and Perana Performance Group attracted some attention with their new Z-one. However, the Perana Z-One has now resurfaced under a 111-year old brand known as AC, which will be renaming and selling it as the the AC 378 GT Zagato. The 6.2-litre V8 outputs 440hp and 537Nm of torque. If that doesn

In this current so-called economic climate, it would not be a surprise to most people that many are cutting down on their expenses. Especially when buying a car, many would consider what car they could get that is within their budget. Some would look into practicality and some would consider styling or performance. And there are even some who would consider all the three abovementioned factors. Shelby SuperCars has managed to register sales for 10 of their upcoming Tuatara model in a country where buying a US$1.3 million car is considered common or nothing. This is a perfect example to show that it is not difficult for a supercar manufacturer to sell their expensive cars in this current economic situation. US supercar manufacture, Shelby SuperCars made a trip recently to the UAE for the Dubai International Motor Show. The trip was to launch and promote their upcoming Tuatara model and also to find a company to import and distribute the car in that region, where some of the richest people in the world live. During the auto show, the company not only attracted potential distributors but they also attracted a fair amount of potential customers and the company managed to seal 10 orders during the auto show which amounted to US$13 million dollars. And the best part is, Shelby SuperCars has not yet finished the production of their Tuatara model. Shelby SuperCars hopes to reclaim the title of fastest production car from the grip of the Bugatti Veyron. Most of us would know that before the Veyron took that title record, Shelby

[extract] Before the Bugatti Veyron was released, the world speed record for a production car was held by Shelby SuperCars

[extract] According to Citro

[extract] The Czech automaker, part of the VW Group, has unveiled its new company logo along with the Skoda VisionD Concept and a new corporate design paradigm on the eve of the Geneva auto show. The Skoda VisionD Concept and the new corporate design is a preview to the future direction that Skoda wants to take with its design language and types of vehicle it wants to build. The concept features a long wheelbase with short overhangs, clearly aiming for practicality and generous cabin space. The rear brake lamp resembles the

Honda has decided to join into the developing nations small car market with the Brio concept car at the Thailand International Motor Show recently. The tiny city car is meant for the emerging markets as Honda states that they intend to start sales of the Brio in Thailand and India in 2011. The car seems to have edgier design cues and it looks like a smaller Mazda 2 with a huge chrome Honda grille. This look is unexpected as it looks different from the pretty feminine Jazz supermini, the most common small Honda these days. The Brio is based on Honda's city car concept and looks extremely production ready unlike the earlier mock-up versions announced nearly a year ago. The Brio will be unique to each and every country it is sold. Honda has stated as an example where the Thai version will be more efficient and better equipped than the Indian version. This is presumably because the Thai market is slightly more affluent and more demanding than the less demanding Indian auto market. If you do not know how 'less demanding' the Indian market is, Suzuki is still selling the Suzuki 800 from the 1980s over there and even the Alto imported into Malaysia from India seems to have a slightly budget looking interior than one could have expected (after their SX4 and Swift models). Anyway, Honda is entering the same category as the Suzuki Alto, Kia Picanto and Hyundai's i10 town cars and I suppose these companies would be slightly worried by the entry of another innovative player in both tightly contested markets. No major details have been revealed as yet including the size of the engine. Some are speculating that the company's 1.2liter i-VTEC engine that powers the base Honda Jazz/Fit models. Of course the main question now would be whether the Brio would be sold elsewhere, especially here in the South East Asian region.

We can finally say goodbye to bland Subaru sedans. Subaru appears to be getting on the stylish compact sedan bandwagon with its sleek, new LA Show-bound Impreza concept. Spearheading the brand's "Confidence in Motion" design language, the low and wide concept wears a more stylish interpretation of the Legacy's nose while losing the awkward lines found on previous Imprezas. Aerodynamics are emphasized by a flowing roof line, rear diffuser and air splitters, while the squat stance is intended to exude confidence. Though this first image from the Japanese manufacturer shows off a vehicle with a bolder design, some changes will definitely be made for the production model. For example, door handles and side view mirrors are missing on the concept. Expect the interior to feature the wraparound treatment of the current Impreza's dashboard, but updated and evolved with an integrated navigation screen. A new addition is an EyeSight camera mounted at the front of the roof (likely above the rear-view mirror) in order to help analyze the car's surroundings and prevent collisions. This also marks the introduction of the new 2.0-liter Boxer engine with the Lineartronic CVT. The engine is a naturally aspirated, lower displacement version of the 2.5-liter 224-hp (167 kW) turbocharged engine used on the 2011 Subaru Forester.

Jumping Jellybeans! A car shorter than the Smart ForTwo! Fiat has recently previewed a new ultra mini concept car called the Mio at the Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil. This tiny, diminutive, miniest of all minis, bacterial, amoeba-like, little, petite, plankton-sized car is only 2.5meters in length, the same length as the original Smart ForTwo which has now grown into the longer 2.69m 2nd Generation. I suppose if Fiat gets enough positive response from people, this little Mio will enter production and everyone can have the opportunity to drive another tiny-mobile, instead of only having to go out and buy a Smart. I do not wish to suggest electric cars like the pathetic G-Whizz (which is actually a half-baked electric car unlike those made by larger manufacturers) or some Made in China Smart replica as valid competitors to the Smart, which is why I left any of them out. Anyway, the Fiat Mio concept has a lot of people friendly gizmos such as mobile phone integration, touch screen controls, GPS, large glass roof and an entertainment system. It also has drag reducing wheel covers and it basically a single blob type shape with some hints of the original Fiat 500. You could also magine a Mitsubishi I that is even more shorter, smaller and with wheel covers. According to Fiat Brazil (who seem to be handling this project -which is why most of the world seems to have been unaware of the project), via their website www.fiatmio.cc, the Mio was originally called the Fiat Concept Car III (FCCIII) and then morphed into the Mio. The design and specs were created in colaboration with 17,000 people worldwide who had registered interest and had participated in sending themes for the concept car in a future urban environment. The main themes were mobility as well as sustainability. One quite ambitious theme is the fact that Fiat has stated that the Mio was

[extract] Citro

It is absolutely amazing to wake up in the morning, open up your email and receive news from Lamborghini on the unveiling of their latest concept car at the Paris Motor Show (Aside from actually being there, that is). This time, Lamborghini have called their concept car the Sesto Elemento, or Sixth Element (in the periodic table, carbon is the sixth element, hence its name). This car is about the size of a Gallardo but weighs an amazing 999kg - A whole kilogram below 1000kg and an amazing 341kg lighter than the Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera. The Sesto Elemento is still packed with the usual Lamborghini 5.0liter V10 engine and its all-wheel drive drivetrain. A truly amazing achievement in an era where weight has caused all cars to be slightly heavier than its supposed to be. And due to its light weight, the car has a power to weight ratio of 570bhp/ton. Compare this with the 420bhp/ton of the normal Gallaro Superleggera and you know you have a winner folks. 0-100km/h is now 2.5seconds with a similar V-max of 300km/h compared with the porkier Gallardo Superleggera. Only an Ariel Atom, a ridiculous Caterham SuperSports with a V8 or a Bugatti Veyron would achieve such vicious acceleration this side of a superbike. All this weight loss comes from Lamborghini investing in the latest carbon fiber technology. According to Lamborghini, the Sesto Elemento has an extremely solid, stiff, safe and lightweight carbon-fiber structure: the monocoque cell of the Sesto Elemento. The entire front frame, the exterior panels and crash boxes are also made from CFRP. The Sesto Elemento

Remember the Jaguat C-X75 concept displayed at the recent Paris Motorshow ? If you dream of owning a unit, your dream might be coming true as Jaguar is considering producing the supercar. Details are limited, but sources have told AutoCar that the company is studying the feasibility of building 1,000 to 2,000 C-X75s a year. However, the decision really comes down to whether or not Jaguar can create the concept's turbine engines. In an interview, Tony Harper, whom is Jaguar's head of advanced powertrains, stated "We're talking two-to-three years for implementation of the gas turbine technology, then another three-to-four years to integrate into a vehicle." While this sounds like an expensive and drawn out process, building a gas turbine engine is relatively affordable because "there's much less to go wrong. There's about 100 times fewer parts in a gas turbine than an internal combustion engine."

Audi have come up with a quattro Concept car celebrating the 30th anniversary of the original Audi quattro. The Ur-quattro, the first production Audi with all-wheel drive and most importantly the first rally car that took advantage of the regulations allowing all-wheel drive to be used mainly in the World Rally Championship. This car managed to win a whole lot of races and championships, both in Group A form and the more radical Group B form. Short, stubby wheelbase and all. Now, Audi have come up with a concept car based on the principles of the Ur-quattro and I hope that this enters production. What I remember about the original Audi quattro was that it was a 2 door hatchback coupe that had those flared wheelarches, a 5 cylinder turbocharged engine that had a very distinctive sound and then, in Sport quattro form, the shortest, most unstable looking rally monster that looked more at home going sideways than in any other angle. It was magical. Then again any Audi quattro was good to look at. It was the car that started flared arches. This was the first car to use this kind of flares. This arches was used by the Lancia Delta Integrale and in fact the GD Series Subaru Impreza recently. So two other rally cars also owe a whole lot to the Ur-quattro. Anyway, a 2 door hatchback coupe with flared arches and that 5 cylinder warble is what makes a quattro. For me that is. And with this concept car Audi has not strayed away for this basic path. If fact I wouldn't like it if they did stray as these days they've actually been so far removed from the original in the first place. The new RS models have V8s, V6s but no 5 cylinder warble. The B7 RS4 had an engine note to die for, but a 2 door coupe with a V8 is stunning, but no rally bomber. Try imagining driving an RS5 through the snow or dirt doing powerslides in that huge coupe. It has to be an Audi quattro from 1980, last produced in 1991. Eleven years is a long time for a car. But it was actually so far advanced that it could stay in production for more than a decade. The Concept quattro uses the current RS5 as a starting point. It has a shorter wheelbase (2600mm instead of 2750mm), 40mm of the roof lopped off and only weighs 1,300kg. Not a portly 1610kg of the RS5 or 1500kg TT RS which is almost the same size and length as this concept car. This was achieved by the cutting of height and length and also the liberal use of aluminium (mainly the suspension) and carbon (for most removable body panels like the spoiler,bonnet, boot and trim). There are also no rear seats. Only space for a helmet and some luggage. The Concept quattro uses a 2.5liter 5 cylinder engine that makes 408bhp and 480Nm. It runs through a 6 speed manual gearbox and of course all-wheel drive. This enables the concept car to make 100km/h from a standstill in about 3.9seconds yet sip 8.5liters of fuel per 100km, even on those large 20inch wheels. Pretty decent figures for a 2.5liter engined car. This is partly down to the lightweight. The car also sports center locking hubs that hide 6-pot calipers that grip on carbon ceramic discs. Of course, this being a concept car a lot of this are very expensive parts and may not make it into production. Audi wants us to notice the similarities of this concept and the Ur-quattro. I suppose there are some similarities, engine, coupe body and all. In fact, the sketch below also shows the Concept quattro with the short wheelbase Sport quattro. But the car somehow looks too rounded and not tonka toy chunky enough in looks. I suppose its the similarity to the current design philosophy that likes that coke bottle waistline and slightly bulbous looks. It looks best (like an original quattro modernized) when viewed directly from the side. The front has a gap that is so big that small children may be scared by it. It's still all grille if you know what I mean. And now we also have LED lights (even the headlights) everywhere (front and rear). So the car is more bling with bright lights, especially those show off daytime driving lights, that huge Nuvolari concept type grille, sexy curves at its flanks rather than a butch, squared off type of coupe. No complaints about the interior though. Typical Audi, meaning very, very well built and I suppose this car also showcases the latest Audi Multimedia Interface (MMI) functions too. A good effort nonetheless. It got me excited for a while, but it somehow tapered out at the end of this article. Too many curves may be a bad thing when it comes to emulating the original. Or were they really looking to pay homage to the original in the first place? Or is just just a marketing stunt? Then I took another look at the side profile and I start loving it. Then I looked again at the front, and I hate it. Audi, get rid of that basking shark-like grille when you get around producing this car. A little subtlety would go a long way.

[extract] Remember De Tomaso? This Italian car manufacturer was famous for building the Mangusta and the Pantera. De Tomaso was founded by Argentine-born Alejandro de Tomaso (1928

Renault's home auto show in Paris this Fall will mark the beginning of a new styling direction for the brand with a new concept car. The DeZir is the first major project under new design vice president Laurens van den Acker and according to Renault, it represents the vision of simple, sensuous and warm. The DeZir wouldn't be a modern Renault concept if it wasn't powered by electrons, and such is the case for this coupe. Energy storage comes by way of the same size 24 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery pack that sits underneath the Nissan Leaf and tThe driving range remains the same at 100 miles. Unlike the Leaf, the pack in the concept is configured for Quick Drop exchanges. Propulsion is provided by a 110 kilowatt electric motor spinning the rear wheels and pushing the 1,830 pound concept to 60 mph in 5 seconds according to specification. Kevlar body panels are wrapped around a steel tube frame chassis with double wishbones at all four corners. Renault hasn't given any indication if the DeZir will be produced.