Concept Cars

Dacia Duster Concept

2010-11-23T00:21:00.003+01:00

Dacia Duster is a concept developed by Renault/Dacia groupation and it is presented on a Geneva Motor Show in a 2009.

Prototype is a typical SUV car sports coupe crossover intended for famillies with large cabin in a compact car. It featured large 470 liter trunk. To show his sport spirit Dacia developed system with 4 seats for this car which easily could change their shape and become a two door car with plenty of space for a mountain bike.

Polygon for building this concept was Nissan B platform. Price in case of production would be incredibly low 15000 euros.

Image copyrights: Dacia

Citroën Hypnos

2008-12-24T10:10:00.010+01:00

Beautifully proportioned and boldly styled, Citroën Hypnos Concept is a true hybrid in both its technology and appearance. The elegant and distinctive crossover vehicle combines the styling cues of a sporty coupé, the serene comfort of a saloon and the practical space of an SUV. At the same time Citroën Hypnos is powered by Citroën's all-new hybrid drivetrain, HYmotion4, marrying dynamic performance with solid green credentials to give 60+mpg economy despite its 200 horsepower.

Citroën Hypnos presents an exciting vision for the future of luxury vehicles with innovative and intelligent technology such as a face-recognition system that adjusts the cabin environment to its occupant's emotions, massaging seats, thermo-sensitive ambient lighting, a faceless clock and diamond-shaped instrument clusters.

Eye-catchingly proportioned at 4.90m long, 2.17m wide and 1.58m high, Citroën Hypnos's exterior design is characterised by a tautly drawn bonnet line, raised waistline and pronounced wheel arches that house generous 22-inch wheels - a hint at the concept's sophisticated muscle power.

The deep radiant grey of the bodywork, which varies in intensity under different light environments, has an elegant and prestigious sheen, befitting the Citroën Hypnos's luxury interior. A 'pillarless' roof, appears to 'float' suggesting flowing interior space. Rear hinged back doors provide easy entry into the car's enchanting interior, whilst a cargo tailgate gives unrestricted access to the boot, adding practical functionality to underline Citroën Hypnos's SUV characteristics.

Stepping inside the cabin, passengers are welcomed into an interior embodying the magical qualities of the concept car and begin an unforgettable sensory adventure. The shimmering interior is adorned with premium materials such as leather and brushed aluminium, helping to make the Citroën Hypnos's cabin an environment of exceptional refinement and comfort. The rainbow hues, seen throughout the interior, showcase Citroën's creative flair and daring originality - the unconventional application of bright, vibrant colours in an executive vehicle.

The four morphologically-sculpted seats are made up of prism-shaped components and can be inflated and deflated to give occupants upper and lower back massages. The body-hugging seats are positioned either side of a unique central console offering occupants an astonishing amount of personal space, and arranged in a helix configuration that inspires images of a DNA strand - reflecting the Citroën Hypnos' design focus on human values.

Passengers can also customise their own space using the pivotal blades of the central helix-shaped console, which includes a range of controls such as the air-conditioning settings.

Hypnos showcases Citroën's commitment to making technology more accessible and interactive with a raft of innovative features throughout the cabin including colour therapy for passengers.

The driver's instrument cluster is seen through diamond-like prisms, mounted in metal, with each facet displaying different information. A touch screen is also incorporated into the middle of the console, and air-vents gently diffuse halos of ambient light which varies according to temperature.

A ceiling-mounted camera films the driver's face and regularly measures anthropometric data to gauge emotions and automatically adjusts the cabin lighting and fragrance accordingly for a more bespoke relaxing experience behind the wheel.

Citroën Hypnos also features a strikingly original onboard clock designed by the artist Michel Serviteur. The innovative timepiece, which has no needles or digital display, changes colour depending on the light at different times of the day and emits a succession of rhythmic colour pulses like a breathing organism.

Hypnos confirms Citroën's respect for the environment with its all-new HYmotion4 diesel hybrid drivetrain. The 4-wheel drive system combines a powerful 200bhp 2.0 HDi DPFS engine and an intelligent 6-speed EGS (Electronic Gearbox System). With the engine driving the front wheels and an axle-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels, this simple but effective solution shows a possible way ahead for affordable hybrid technology, in line with Citroën thinking.

Capable of a 0-60mph time of around 9-seconds and silent, exhaust-free driving in ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode, the Citroën Hypnos's efficient system delivers dynamic green performance and driving pleasure with impressive fuel economy of almost 63mpg on the combined cycle and low CO2 emissions at just 120g/km.

When a burst of acceleration is required, Citroën Hypnos's boost function kicks in to deliver a combination of torque from both the combustion and electric powerplants without increasing fuel consumption.

For safe and accomplished 'green driving', Citroën Hypnos Concept is equipped with Stop & Start technology. This intelligent system also powers the electric motor when the vehicle is in 4x4 mode. For improved safety in difficult driving conditions Citroën Hypnos instinctively switches to four-wheel drive mode when faced with low grip or intense handling.

With the emphasis of the concept being on driving pleasure, Citroën Hypnos delivers a smooth and cosseted ride thanks to Citroen's legendary self-levelling suspension which combines the highest standards of passenger comfort with exceptional road manners.

Corvette Mako Shark

2008-12-23T09:38:00.005+01:00

The XP-755 Mako Shark show car was designed by Larry Shinoda under the direction of GM Design head Bill Mitchell in 1961, as a concept for future Chevrolet Corvettes. In keeping with the name, the streamlining, pointed snout, and other detailing was partly inspired by the look of that very fast fish. The "Mako Shark" was very similar to the 1963 Corvette, with some alterations. These included adding two more brake lights in the rear (six total), making the nose of the car longer and more pointed, creating a clear glass roof with a periscope-like rear-view mirror, and remodeling the interior.

A widespread story has it that Mitchell had an actual shortfin mako shark mounted on the wall in his office, and ordered his team to paint the car to match the distinctive blue-gray upper surface gently blending into white underside of the fish. After numerous attempts to match the fish's color scheme failed, the team hit upon the idea of kidnapping the fish one night, painting it to match their best efforts on the car, and returning it to the office. Mitchell never realized the difference and pronounced himself pleased with the team's duplication on the car of nature's handiwork.

After a period, he removed the original body and redesigned it as the "Mako Shark II" in 1965. The original Mako Shark was then retroactively called the "Mako Shark I".

The 1968 Corvette styling was highly derivative of the Mako Shark II.

Audi Rosemeyer

2008-12-22T23:29:00.010+01:00

The Rosemeyer is a concept car built and shown initially at Autostadt by Audi during 2000, and at various auto shows throughout Europe. Although it was never intended for production, its striking design and highly sporting nature drew considerable attention to the brand, and many potential buyers highly anticipated a production version, to no avail. It does, however bear a striking resemblance to the Bugatti Veyron and uses the same engine.

Information

The vehicle was designed to evoke emotion and garner attention, and was unique in that it combined elements of modern design with styling strongly resembling the former Auto Unions "Silver Arrows" Grand Prix racers, namely their 16-cylinder car driven by Bernd Rosemeyer, after which the car is named.
Powered by a large capacity, mid-mounted 16-cylinder engine making 700 hp (520 kW) and featuring Audi's quattro permanent four-wheel drive system, the vehicle promised high performance to match its appearance. It was ultimately deemed unfit for production, both because of extremely high projected production costs, and Audi's unwillingness to create in-house competition for models from Lamborghini, which Audi had purchased during the 1990s. In some ways, Audi's Gallardo-based R8 could be considered the Rosemeyer's successor.

Specification
8004 cc W16 mid-mounted engine
5 valves/cyl
78.71 hp (58.69 kW) per litre
761 N·m (561 ft·lbf) @ 4000 rpm
Wheelbase: 114.6 in (2911 mm)
Length: 178.7 in (4539 mm)
Width: 75.6 in (1920 mm)
6-speed manual gearbox
Top speed: 217.5 mph (350 km/h)

General Motors Sequel

2008-12-21T21:45:00.001+01:00

The Sequel is a hydrogen fuel cell-powered concept car and sport utility vehicle from General Motors, employing the latest generation of HydroGen3 technology developed by Opel. The Sequel uses a drive-by-wire system. It has a range of three hundred miles, and its only emission is water. It debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show and is now being shown at the 75th international car show in Geneva, Switzerland. GM chief and chief executive Rick Wagoner suggested it will be over a decade before it goes into production. GM announced September 11, 2006 that their Sequel all-wheel drive fuel-cell vehicle will be a Chevrolet. The next-generation hydrogen car was unveiled at the Detroit auto show in 2005 and at that time was called the “GM Sequel;” the redesigned version of the crossover was unveiled by Larry Burns, GM’s vice president in charge of R&D and product planning.

This vehicle can accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than ten seconds. Additionally, it provides a high level of control on bumpy terrain, snow, and ice. 42 percent more torque and quicker deceleration when braking are additional benefits of some of the new technologies used in the Sequel.

Ford Nucleon

2008-06-28T19:55:00.003+02:00

The Ford Nucleon was a nuclear-powered concept car developed by Ford Motor Company in 1958. No operational models were built. The design did not include an internal-combustion engine, rather, a vehicle was to be powered by a small nuclear reactor in the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle featured a power capsule suspended between twin booms at the rear. The capsule, which would contain radioactive core for motive power, was designed to be easily interchangeable, according to performance needs and the distances to be traveled.

The passenger compartment of the Nucleon featured a one-piece, pillar-less windshield and compound rear window, and was topped by a cantilever roof. There were air intakes at the leading edge of the roof and at the base of its supports. An extreme cab-forward style provided more protection to the driver and passengers from the reactor in the rear. Some pictures show the car with tailfins sweeping up from the rear fenders.

The drive train would be integral to the power module, and electronic torque converters would take the place of the drive-train used at the time. It was said that cars like the Nucleon would be able to travel 8000 km (5,000 miles) or more, depending on the size of the core, without recharging. Instead, at the end of the core's life they would be taken to a charging station, which research designers envisioned as largely replacing gas stations. The car was never built and never went into production, but it remains an icon of the Atomic Age of the 1950s.

The mock-up of the car can be viewed at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

According to Bob Gale, producer of the film Back to the Future, the Nucleon's rear nuclear reactor was one of the design inspirations for the De Lorean time machine.

Aston Martin Rapide

2008-06-19T14:43:00.003+02:00

The Aston Martin Rapide is a four-door, four-seat car, which British luxury marque Aston Martin plans to introduce in late 2009 to compete with the Maserati Quattroporte and Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, along with the upcoming Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera. It was first presented as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in 2006. The Rapide name is a reference to the Lagonda Rapide, a saloon produced by Lagonda, now part of Aston Martin. The car is based on an Aston Martin DB9.

Aston Martin has announced that the Rapide will be built at a dedicated plant at the Magna Steyr facility in Graz, Austria. Production will start in 2009.

BMW GINA

2008-06-17T17:32:00.003+02:00

The GINA Light Visionary Model is a fabric-skinned shape-shifting sports car concept built by BMW. GINA stands for "Geometry and functions In 'N' Adaptions"[1]. It was designed by a team lead by BMW’s head of design, Chris Bangle, who says GINA allowed his team to "challenge existing principles and conventional processes." The concept dates from 2001 and although it was built six years ago, it was only unveiled in June 2008. BMW believes this is what the buyer will demand for premium vehicles in 10 years’ time, and so GINA was conceived to show that one day it will be possible for owners to be able to choose from a variety of outer shapes and functions for their car.

GINA is built on the now defunct BMW Z8 roadster’s chassis, and has a 4.4-litre V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. As it is built on a space frame it provides all the safety of a conventional car, but BMW suspect the public wouldn't embrace fabric bodies for safety reasons. In spite of this, GINA will continue to influence the design of future models such as the soon-to-be-launched X1 mini-SUV. BMW also believe that fabric-skinned vehicles are the future because they’re environmentally friendly and their manufacturing process are considerably greener than today’s.

BMW says the flexible, stretchable water resistant translucent man-made fabric skin – polyurethane-coated Spandex, is resilient and durable. It resists high or low temperatures, doesn’t swell or shrink and the movement doesn’t slacken or damage the fabric. The body changes its shape according to exterior conditions and speeds, and it also allows the driver to change its shape at whenever they desire. The fabric is stretched over a moveable frame; essential shapes are formed beneath the skin by a aluminium wire structure, though at points where movement is needed (ducts, door openings, spoiler) flexible carbon struts are used. The shape of the frame is controlled by many electric and hydraulic actuators, for example, the headlights are revealed when small motors pull the fabric back in an eyelid like fashion. As the fabric is translucent the taillights shine through it.

GINA has just four panels - the bonnet, the two side panels and the boot. It’s skin appears seamless, but it can “grow” a higher rear spoiler for stability at high speed. It’s doors open in a butterfly style, and are each covered by a fabric piece reaching all the way from the nose of the car to their trailing edge which when closed leaves a perfectly smooth surface. Access to the engine can be gained through a slit that can open in the middle of the bonnet.

When the car is parked, the car’s steering wheel and instruments sit in an ‘idle’ position on the centre console to allow the driver easy entry. The steering wheel and instruments assume their correct positions when the driver presses the start button and the headrest rises from the seat once the driver is seated, making it easier to get in and out of the car.

BMW says "The drastic reinterpretation of familiar functionality and structure means that drivers have a completely new experience when they handle their car." They believe the car’s enhanced adaptability to a driver’s needs increase the emotional connection between driver and car. It "helps to tap into formerly inconceivable, innovative potential" to push the boundaries of appearance and materials as well as functions and the manufacturing process. "It is in the nature of such visions that they do not necessarily claim to be suitable for series production", company officials said at the car’s unveiling, "Rather, they are intended to steer creativity and research into new directions."

Maybach Exelero

2008-06-13T18:27:00.003+02:00

The Maybach Exelero is a high-performance sports car designed and built by luxury car manufacturer Maybach, and presented in May 2005 in Berlin, Germany. The 700 hp (SAE) (514 kW) two-seater with a bi-turbo V12 engine is a one-off design commissioned by Fulda Tyres. Fulda is using this car as a reference vehicle to test a new generation of wide tires. The German luxury car manufacturer created the one-off model as a modern interpretation of its legendary streamlined sportscar from the 1930s. There are various allusions to the historical predecessor, which was likewise based on a powerful Maybach automobile, in this case the Maybach SW 38, and was also used by Fulda for tire testing.

Length : 5.89 m (19.3 ft)
Width : 2.14 m (7.02 ft)
Weight : 2660 kg (5864 lb)
Engine : Bi-Turbo V12 oct-turbo from Maybach 57 S 700 hp (SAE) (522 kW), 1020 N·m (737 ft·lbf)
Top speed : 351 km/h (218 mph)
0-62 mph : 4.4 seconds
Tires : 315/25 ZR 23 Fulda Exelero
Fuel used for top speed test: 110 octane
Cost: Approx. $8,000,000 (USD)

The Maybach high-performance show car "Exelero" was unveiled to the world for the first time this afternoon in the Tempodrom in Berlin. The 700-hp two-seater with a V-12 biturbo engine is a unique custom model produced for Fulda Reifenwerke, which is using the Maybach Exelero as a reference vehicle for a newly developed generation of wide tyres. The German manufacturer of luxury cars built the unique model as a modern interpretation of its legendary streamlined sports car from the 1930s, thereby forging a link with the historical predecessor, which at that time was likewise based on a powerful Maybach automobile (SW 38) and used by Fulda for tyre tests.

The Exelero embodies the highest expression to date of the Maybach individualisation strategy of offering specific custom solutions on request. In initial tests on the high-speed track in Nardo (Italy), the unique vehicle reached a top speed of 351.45 km/h (FIA*-standard unit of measurement). Developers at Maybach designed the custom model with the participation of students from Pforzheim College. The Exelero was built by the prototype specialists at Stola in Turin (Italy). There are no plans to produce the model in series

Kia Kue

2008-06-11T10:27:00.003+02:00

The Kia Kue was originally unveiled as a concept car during the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It may share the Hyundai Santa Fe platform used by the Hyundai Santa Fe and Veracruz. The concept vehicle seated only five passengers.

The Kia Kue is the first car to win a Design Award for a Korean company. This concept was awarded with "Eyes on Design Award" for Design Excellence at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. The Kia Kue shows the future design direction for the Korean company.

Saab Aero-X

2008-06-10T08:33:00.003+02:00

Saab Aero-X is a concept car by Saab unveiled at the 2006 Salon International de l'Auto. It is powered by a 2.8 L twin-turbocharged V6 running on pure ethanol that produces 400 hp. 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) is predicted to be 4.9 s and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (150 mph). It has a 7-speed manual transmission controlled by paddles on the steering wheel.

Like the American-market Saab 9-2X, the Aero-X has four wheel drive. The doors and windscreen are connected, so instead of using conventional doors or even gullwing doors, it uses a cockpit canopy where the entire top section of the car is opened. This offered the Aero X's driver full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin. The body is made in carbon fiber. The suspension is electronically-controlled. Even though it is a compact two-seat sports car, it has reasonable storage, as the rear features two storage facilities, with a conventional hatchback and sliding drawer underneath.

The interior offers "clean Scandinavian interior design". The car has no ordinary dials and buttons; instead, data is displayed on acrylic 'clear zones' in graphic 3D images. All interior and exterior lights utilize LEDs.

It is a concept car, but if it is well received, it may go into production, probably based on a shortened Epsilon 2 platform.

"This study shows how the strength of the Saab brand heritage can inspire bold, innovative design," said Bryan Nesbitt, the Executive Director of GM Design Europe. "As we move forward with new Saab product, we will remain focused on carefully cultivating this brand equity in the context of Scandinavian design values."

"This concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the Saab brand," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab's Managing Director. "Our designers, engineers and marketers in Sweden are ideally placed to nurture and communicate the unique DNA of the Saab brand. Their work will ensure that future product proposals express core qualities, such as progressive design, sporty performance and emotional functionality, in a way that is specific to Saab."

Chrysler Firepower

2008-06-07T09:24:00.003+02:00

Chrysler Firepower

The Chrysler Firepower was a Dodge Viper based concept car DaimlerChrysler produced under the Chrysler brand. The Firepower's engine was a 6.1 L Hemi V8. According to Chrysler, this engine produced 425 hp (317 kW) and could propel the vehicle to a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds. It was once featured on the cover of Car and Driver, but on that cover its name ended with an exclamation point.

The Firepower is featured in Xbox 360 games as a download for Project Gotham Racing 3 and is also available in Test Drive Unlimited.

Question of Production

The Firepower Concept was originally built to prove that Chrysler could indeed build a sports car using existing hardware. Signs earlier in the year pointed to the Firepower going into production using the same hardware as the concept, however Chrysler has now officially announced that the Firepower will not be produced, as Chrysler could not find a viable way in which to produce the car.

Peugeot Hoggar

2008-06-06T00:39:00.003+02:00

The Peugeot Hoggar was concept car designed by Peugeot. It is a two-seater off road car powered by two diesel engines that drive the front and rear wheels in a four wheel drive configuration. The car principally consists of a one-piece carbon honeycomb body reinforced by two upper longitudinal roll-over bars completed from stainless steel, each with a diameter of 76 mm (3 in). These tubes also serve as an air intake and air conduit to the front engine (left-hand tube) and rear engine (right-hand tube). Both engine displaces 2168 cc and produces power of around 180 bhp (134 kW). The two engines consequently supply a collective power of nearly 360 bhp (268 kW) and a maximum torque of 800 N·m (590 ft·lbf).

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

2008-06-04T16:22:00.002+02:00

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

2003 concept car

The 8C Competizionewas introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003. The lines of the twin seater are meant to echo the styling of Alfas of the 1930s and 1940s, and the "Competizione" name is a pointer to the 1948 6C 2500 Competizione, which competed in the 1949 and 1950 Mille Miglia race, coming third both times. In the 1950 Mille Miglia Juan-Manuel Fangio and Augusto Zanardi drove. It won the 1950 Targa Florio. A 3.0 litre prototype was built but not produced. These 6C 2500 models were among the last vehicles with links to the pre-war cars.

2007 production version

During the Mondial de l'Automobile 2006, Alfa Romeo announced the production of a limited series 500 units of 8C Competizione. The production version is very similar to the concept, biggest difference exterior-wise is the rear-hinged hood in the production model. It was possible to choose from four different exterior color: 8C Red, Competition Red, black or yellow. The bodyshell is made of carbon fibre, produced by ATR Group. The carbon fibre body is then fitted to steel chassis made by Italian company ITCA Produzione. Final assembly is then made in Maserati factory in Modena, Italy.

Powertrain

The car uses modified Maserati platform and powertrain (Maserati Quattroporte, GranTurismo) and also features a Ferrari/Maserati derived 90° cross-plane dry-sump lubricated 4.7-litre V8 assembled by Ferrari.[1] The top engine performance figures may be summarized as a maximum power of 331 kilowatts (450 PS) at 7000 rpm, a peak torque of 480 newton metres (354 lbf·ft) at 4750 rpm (80% at 2500 rpm) with an engine redline of 7500 rpm and rev limiter of 7600 rpm. The V8 engine has variable timing in intake valves and compression ratio of 11.3.
The six–speed transaxle gearbox has computerized gear selection by means of levers behind the steering wheel and may be used in Manual-Normal; Manual-Sport; Automatic-Normal; Automatic-Sport and Ice modes. The gearbox can shift in 175 milliseconds when using Sport mode. The 8C has also a limited slip differential.

Performance

It is fitted with specially developed 20 inch tyres: 245/35 at the front and 285/35 at the rear, fitted on perforated rims in fluid moulded aluminium. The 8C brakes have been called phenomenal by Road & Track magazine, with a stopping distance being from 97-0 km/h (60-0 mph) in 32 metres (105.0 ft). The official top speed is announced to be 292 kilometres per hour (181 mph) but it might be higher around 306 kilometres per hour (190 mph) according to the Road & Track magazine. An Alfa Romeo engineer also stated that it is faster.

Renault Talisman

2008-06-03T10:17:00.002+02:00

The Renault Talisman is a luxury 2-door sedan/coupé concept car designed after the 1995 Renault Initiale Concept line by Renault chief designer Patrick le Quément and it was presented at the Frankfurt Autoshow in 2002.

The first sketches were drawn in early 2000 and first referred as Renault Z12. There were 4 final 1/5 scale models and a judging team, lead by Patrick le Quément selected this coupé. It was named "Talisman" in June 20, 2001

The Talisman was designed as a luxury sedan with 4 comfortable seats but with only 2 gullwing doors and a coupé-style ending. It applies the "Touch Design" concept, where the principal objective is to make materials and controls soft and ergonomic. The equipment is formed by LCD screens instead of mirrors, GPS and even a Tag Heuer clock in the middle of the board. The board slides up giving access to a giant glovebox. The seats are colored of dark red, and curiously, the seat belts are fixed at the opposite side of every car; in the left for the right seat and in the right for the left one. Four massive 380 mm (15 in) 6-pistons disc brakes are in charge of stopping the car. There are also twin metallic suitcases located in the trunk, and fixed to it.

The design of the Talisman was followed by the Mégane II.

Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive

2008-06-02T11:06:00.005+02:00

The Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive concept car is concept car introduced in 2007. The car is built on the S600 chassis (S600 is long wheelbase only). In the Ocean Drive Concept, a V12 has been built, which together with 2 turbo's reaches a poweroutput of 517 bhp (386 kW) and 830 N·m (612 ft·lbf) of torque.

The softtop is made of textile, and can be opened or closed within 20 seconds. Each of the four seats has been fitted with the AIRSCARF system, which blows a stream of warm air out of the neckrest. This system is already available on the SLK Roadster.

At this moment nothing has been said on the future for this car. What has been announced though, is that Mercedes will attempt to give the new S-Class (in 2012) 7 different models. A most likely overview for the new S-Class range could then consist of:

-S SWB (Short Wheel Base)

-S LWB (Long Wheel Base)

-CL Coupe

-CL Convertible

-S Convertible (likely to be the Ocean Drive Concept)

-S Pullman (limousine following previous Pullman models)

Volvo T6

2008-06-01T19:59:00.003+02:00

The Volvo T6 was a concept car from Volvo presented in 2005 at SEMA. There was just one hand-built copy, although there was some discussion about a limited production run. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter inline 6-cylinder engine from Volvo S80 giving 300 bhp (220 kW) and according to Edmunds a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h). The engine is located behind the driver. Its design is obviously inspired by hot rod cars. It was named the 2004 Hot Rod of the Year by Hot Rod Magazine. It was designed by Per Gyllenspetz from Labyrint studio and built by Leif Tufvesson.

Ford Verve

2008-06-01T15:00:00.000+02:00

The Ford Verve concepts are a series of subcompact car concepts from Ford of Europe. Together, they are expected to form the basis of the replacement for the current Ford Fiesta and help Ford meet market demands for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. The production versions will be sold in North America, Europe, and Asia. The first concept debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Verve comes in both four- and three-door body styles. The four-door is the basis for the production vehicle that will be sold in North America beginning in 2010. The European three-door is being shown to test market reaction to the body style – as a possible additional small car for the North American market.

Viewed from the front, the vehicle features:

Ford Verve SMPR: A bold, three-bar graphic with a Ford blue oval in the upper grille opening and downsized the lower, inverted trapezoidal grille. Pronounced, rearward-stretching headlamps, giving the face of the Ford Verve concept a friendly, open and inviting personality. A toned and athletic hood sculpture that’s not overtly muscular. Prominent headlamps that feature two projector beams and a light-emitting diode (LED) array. Two unique LED side markers flank the front fascia. Specially designed 18-inch, 12-spoke two-piece alloy wheels that lend even more drama to the car.

From the side view,

The profile is emphasized by the pillar-less side window shape, mirroring the body’s curving upper contour line. This extends rearward from the angular A-pillar to marry the semi-high-mounted, LED tail lamps sculpted to become part of the fullness of the body shape.These elements blend cohesively together and support the panoramic glass roof. Subtle chrome bars accent the door handles. Brushed aluminum accents the lower grille surround, the rear number plate surround, and the lower edge of the front fog lamps. Low-profile tires feature a sidewall stripe that complements the rich Rouge Red body color.

source: Ford Verce Concept SMPR

First Verve Concept

The Verve continues Ford's Kinetic Design family styling theme, first seen on the Ford S-MAX.

Martin Smith, executive director of design for Ford of Europe, described the Verve as "a chic, modern and individualistic statement for a sophisticated, fashion-aware generation." The concept was created by a team of designers from Ford studios in Dunton, England, and Cologne, Germany.

Occupants are cocooned in a cabin trimmed in different hues of glove leather, with an array of modern multimedia conveniences at their fingertips.

The slick three-door hatchback features a panoramic glass roof, pillarless side glass, LED headlamps, high-mounted LED taillamps, integrated tailgate spoiler and dark-chrome lower diffuser with integrated center exhaust outlet.

The car rides on 18-inch low-profile tyres mounted on two-piece, 12-spoke alloy wheels.

Second Verve Concept

On November 19, 2007, Ford unveiled its second Verve concept. This second version took the form of a four-door notchback and was styled similarly to the Frankfurt version of the car. It was finished in frosted grape.

Third Verve Concept

An further four-door Verve concept car for North America was revealed at the North American International Auto Show in January 2008. It was finished in Rouge Red, and unique to this version, featured a modified front fascia. The most notable changes were in a deeper upper grille, with Ford of North America's trademark 'three-bar' graphic, and a downsized lower inverted trapezoidal grille.

It was confirmed in the press release that a model based on this concept will launch in North America in 2010.

Hummer HX

2008-05-31T14:13:00.000+02:00

The Hummer HX is a concept SUV revealed on 8 January 2008 and manufactured by General Motors.The vehicle is smaller than both the H2 and H3 and is powered by a 3.6 L (219.7 cu in) SIDI V6 that uses E85 FlexFuel. Contrary to rumors, it is based on Halo 3's Warthog.

SPECIFICATIONS
Model:
HUMMER HX Concept

Body style / driveline:
two-door, four-seat open-top, four wheel-drive

Construction:
welded steel frame, electro galvanized steel

Engine type:
3.6L V-6 VVT (variable valve timing) with spark-ignition, direct injection

Displacement (cu in / cc):
217 / 3564

Bore & stroke (in / mm):
3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6

Block material:
sand-cast aluminum with cast-in bore liners

Cylinder head material:
cast aluminum

Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, variable valve timing (VVT)

Fuel delivery:
direct high-pressure fuel injection

Compression ratio:
11.3:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):
304 / 227 @ 6300 rpm (est)

Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):
273 / 370 @ 5200 rpm (est)

Fuel Type:
unleaded regular or E85 ethanol

Transmission:
Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed electronically control automatic transmission

Suspension:
front: independent SLA, custom Fox Racing coil-over shocks; 2-in shocks, 2.5-in springs

rear: semi-trailing link, custom Fox Racing coil-over shocks; 2-in shocks, 2.5-in springs

Wheel travel (in / mm):
front: 9 / 228
rear: 11/ 279

Brakes
four-wheel disc; Brembo 6-piston calipers (front); Brembo 4-piston calipers (rear)

Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):
15 x 1.25 / 381 x 31.75

Wheel size & type:
20-inch x 9-inch

Tires:
35-inch custom Bridgestone Dueler

Wheelbase (in / mm):
103 / 2616

Overall length:
171 / 4343

Overall width (in / mm):
81 / 2057

Overall height (in / mm):
72 / 1829

Track (in / mm):
67 / 1702 (front); 68 / 1727 (rear)

Minimum ground clearance front (in / mm):
13 / 320

Approach angle (degrees):
56

Departure angle (degrees):
51

Breakover angle (degrees):
25

Grade capability (percent):
60

Side slope capability (percent):
40

Water fording capability (in / mm):
24 / 610 (at 5 mph)

Seating capacity:
4

First concept car in History - Buick Y-JOB

2008-05-30T20:10:00.000+02:00

The 1938 Buick Y-Job is claimed to be the first auto concept in history .

It is designed by Harley J. Earl. The car had power-operated hidden headlamps, "gunsight" hood ornament, wraparound bumpers, flush door handles, and prefigured styling cues used by Buick until the 1950s.

The "Y" in the name has several explanations:
All experimental cars were called "X", so Earl simply went to the next letter in the alphabet [2].
"Y" is an inverted Mercedes-Benz star. An alleged Earl's in-joke.[citation needed]
The "Y" designation was selected by Earl because it was used extensively in the aviation industry denoting the most advanced prototypes.

Al Araba 1

2008-05-30T17:17:00.000+02:00

Al Araba 1 ( Arabic: العربة ) is a luxury car created by a joint venture between Saudi Arabian automobile maker Al-Araba Company (officially a vehicle armoring company) and Indian vehicle customising and modification company DC Design . This car was the first Saudi Arabian made civilian vehicle, the project was completed in 2003 and was shown in the Geneva Motor Show. It was built by E. Fouzi Ayoub Sabri and Dilip Chhabria who based their project on the Mitsubishi Lancer. There were only 12 per year made to keep its rarity factor, and pricing is at 270,000 USD.

Bugatti 18/3 Chiron

2008-05-30T17:08:00.000+02:00

The Bugatti 18/3 Chiron was a concept sports car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. It was a mid-engine design with the same W18 engine found in the EB 118 and EB 218 concept cars. The Chiron name comes from famed Bugatti racing driver, Louis Chiron.

2008-05-30T16:55:00.000+02:00

The Audi Roadjet is a concept car developed by the premium German manufacturer Audi, and was officially unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. It is a study of a sporty and luxurious mid-size station wagon.

The concept vehicle is particularly notable because it is the first model to feature a newly developed 3.2-liter VR6 FSI gasoline engine with direct fuel injection. The engine develops a maximum output of 300 bhp (220 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 363 Nm (244 ft·lbf) of torque at 4,500 rpm, which is reached through the fixed intake manifold and the innovative valve control system called Audi Valvelift System. The Roadjet, also notable to be the first model equipped with the 7-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox, should be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (60 mph) in 6.4 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph). The vehicle also features Audi's trademark four-wheel drive system - quattro.

According to Audi, this study is a technology demonstrator of innovative electronic systems that will be built into the production models in the next few years.

Jeep Hurricane

2008-05-30T16:46:00.000+02:00

The Jeep Hurricane is a concept vehicle that was unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit by Jeep, a subsidiary of Daimler-Chrysler. The Hurricane's one-piece body is composed largely of light-weight structural carbon fiber. The Hurricane’s body also serves as the chassis, and all of the car’s components such as the engine, transfer case, and suspension system are mounted directly to the body. Its skid plate is an aluminum spine that connects the chassis to the underside of the vehicle. The Hurricane doesn’t have side doors or a roof, and there is only seating for two people. The driver and passenger have to enter the vehicle "Dukes-of-Hazzard" style. The Hurricane features a MillenWorks designed four-wheel steering system that allows the Hurricane to move sideways. The Hurricane maintains Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille.

Specifications
Curb Weight (estimated): 3,850 lb (1,746 kg)
Length: 151.8 inches (3,856 mm)
Wheelbase: 108.1 inches (2,746 mm)
Front Overhang: 25.0 inches (635 mm)
Rear Overhang: 18.7 inches (475 mm)
Width: 80.0 inches (2,033 mm)
Height: 68.2 inches (1,732 mm)
Track, Frt/Rr: 67.5/67.5 inches (1,715/1,715 mm)
Engine: Two 5.7-liter, 8-cylinder HEMI engines
Power: 670 hp (500 kW)
Torque: 740 lbf·ft (1000 N·m)
Transfer Case: Custom multi-mode with 1:1, 2:1 and 4:1 ratios
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Front and Rear Suspension: Long-travel, short/long arm independent
Ground Clearance: 14.3 inches (363 mm)
Break-Over Angle: 31.5 degrees
Approach/Depart Angle: 64.0/86.7 degrees
Tire Size: 305/70R20 (all four)
Wheel Size: 20x10 inches (51x25 cm)
0-60 mph (97 km/h): 4.9 seconds

Hello

2008-05-30T16:38:00.001+02:00

Hello everybody, this blog is dedicated to concept cars also named show cars. Enjoy in pics and informations about magnificent pices of technology.