Tag: concept

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Aston Martin

Aston Martin Rapide – official renderings

Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin recently released these computer generated images of the new Rapide luxury saloon. The Rapide Concept was first revealed way back in 2006 and while its evolution may be slow, the latest images show that the production model won’t stray too far from the original concept.

The most immediate difference is the new crease line starting at the mid front door section which extends into the rear door. Also gone are the lower cutouts on the outer edges of the front grille. The full glass roof, however, will make it to the final production version.

While scant technical details have been confirmed, speculation from last April, suggests the car will be powered by Aston Martin’s familiar V12. A maximum power figure of over 500hp can be expected, given the 510hp output of the 6.0 litre V12 recently shoehorned into the Vantage.

The overall dimensions shouldn’t differ too greatly from the DB9, despite the extra set of doors. It is also anyone’s guess as to when the car have its official reveal. It’s probably pretty safe to guess that it will happen some time this year, but will the Geneva Motor Show in March be too soon?

AUSmotive wasn’t around in 2006, so following the comgen images after the jump is the official Rapide Concept press release, including a handful of images.

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BMW

BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo – the rationale

BMW have gone to some rather unusual lengths to explain their rationale behind the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo. This short film, at a touch over 3 minutes 30 seconds, tells you everything you need to know.

The clip is quirky, cute and more than a little daft, but enjoyable nonetheless.

For more on the Gran Turismo, check out the official website.

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BMW Motor Shows

BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo

BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo

New models such as the X6 show that BMW is not afraid to tread new ground. And that’s exactly what this BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo does. Also known as the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) this car is part wagon, part sedan and part SUV.

I have to say, regardless of whether there is a market for this car or not, it looks a hell of a lot better than the X6. At first I thought the Gran Turismo, like the X6, was another car that simply left you asking “why?”. But the more I see and read about the 5 Series Gran Turismo, the more I like it.

Perhaps, in the metal it may look a bit clunky, but in these pictures, at least, I think it looks stylish and on the pleasant side of aggressive. Although, the side profile, especially the front, is a bit too abrupt.

Featuring new LED “corona” rings for daytime running lights, a modern interpretation of the “Hofmeister kink” and a razor sharp waistline this Concept will certainly stand out on the road when it goes into production.

The car will have its full launch at the Geneva Auto Salon, however an extensive press release and twenty more images can be seen after the jump. You can also watch a 34 minute recording of the live reveal from last Friday by clicking HERE (note: will resize your browser window).

I’d love to hear what you think, so please leave some comments below.

UPDATE 16 Feb: New release from BMW Australia added below.

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Porsche

Porsche sends new Panamera into space

Porsche Panamera Space Concept

This is Porsche’s new Panamera Space Concept and it gives us a good look inside the once unthinkable four-door saloon from Stuttgart. The Panamera will go on European sale from mid September and pricing starts at €94,575 (AU$186,000) for the Panamera S and tops out at €135,154 (AU$267,000) for the Panamera Turbo. Expect Australian pricing to be quite a bit more than a simple €-AUD conversion, however.

Engine choices are limited to 4.8-litre V8s to begin with. There’s a 294kW (400hp) normally aspirated version for the Panamera S and 4S models, while the addition of twin-turbos boosts power to 368kW (500hp) for the top spec Turbo model. That brings 100km/h sprint times of 5.4 seconds for a manual equipped S, 5.0 seconds with PDK and all-wheel drive in the 4S and just 4.2 seconds for the Turbo, also with PDK and AWD.

The four-seater is luxuriously decked in full leather and is fitted with all the usual mod-cons including four zone climate control, Comfort Memory Package (for eight-way adjustable seat, lumbar and steering wheel) and enough airbags to pass off the car as an airship.

Porsche are also waxing lyrical about their partnership with Burmester who have supplied the audio equipment for the Panamera. I’m no high-end audiophile by any means, but I’m guessing I’d be impressed by the sound quality. I suppose those 2,400 sqaure centimetres of sound membranes must be good for something.

The lower spec models have a top speed of 282km/h, while the Turbo can nudge past the triple ton to 303km/h. While the fuel economy of the range is not headline grabbing, the figures are helped by an Auto Start Stop system on PDK equipped models.

More detail and wallpaper sized images can be accessed after the jump.

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Subaru

Subaru’s terrible Legacy

Subaru Legacy Concept

That’s not a word play in the article title, its a statement of fact! Looks as though April Fool’s Day has come early at Subaru. At least I hope it has.

I really don’t know what to say. Sorry, I know I should try and add something informative, but I am gobsmacked. Truly gobsmacked.

If you do wish to find more information on this Subaru Legacy Concept, then, take a deep breath, and check out motorauthority.com.

Warning: some readers may find the following scenes disturbing.

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Audi

Audi Sportback Concept wows Motown crowds

Audi Sportback Concept
Audi Sportback Concept

Audi has revealed yet another Sportback model at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. But, unlike the A1 and A3 Sportback (seen here in S3 guise), this new concept is a large saloon, almost 5 metres in length. Think in between A6 and A8 sizing if it were to slot into Audi’s current model lineup. A7 perhaps?

So why call this a Sportback? Audi’s press guff says, “The Audi Sportback concept show car is now rolling up to the starting line with a dual mission: As suggested by the name, it symbolizes the Sportback principle in its purest form in the combination of elegance, sportiness and variability.”

Well, however they sell it, this new metal looks pretty damn good. Rolling on 21 inch alloys the side profile is stunning and has an aggressive fastback-like feel. There’s a bit of Jaguar there, and even a hint of Mustang if you try hard enough. From the front, though, the car’s lineage becomes clear, with Audi’s increasingly familiar all-LED headlights, flared guards and strong A5-inspired shoulder line.

The speedboat-like timber interior is all show car and may not be to everyone’s taste. Although, it works well in a show environment.

The Sportback Concept is powered by a 165kW/550Nm 3-litre V6 TDI, fitted with 7 speed S tronic transmission, is said to consume less than 6l/100km. In an Australian context that would see the car benefit from Luxury Car Tax exemptions. Emissions, too, are quite good, adhering to EU6 guidelines, which aren’t scheduled for introduction until 2014.

Of course, there’s plenty of electronic trickery wrapped inside the gorgeous shell, so make sure you check out the press release below while admiring the images on offer.

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Concept BlueSport picture gallery

Volkswagen Concept BlueSport

The Volkswagen Concept BlueSport made its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last night. It’s a stunning looking car, but perhaps the most notable feature for a car in this segment is it’s mid-mounted efficient diesel engine.

The BlueSport roadster, fitted with six-speed DSG transmission, has a 2.0 TDI with 132kW powering the rear wheels. Being a turbo diesel, there is plenty of torque, too, all 350Nm of it. The BlueSport weighs a relatively light 1200kg and is capable reaching 100km/h in a GTI-beating 6.6 seconds, along to a top speed of 226km/h. When driven more sedately Volkswagen claims fuel consumption as low as 4.3l/100km. Its CO2 emissions are 113g/km.

“The BlueSport proves to be a compact and passionate car with a clear Volkswagen signature. The car offers pure dynamics with a powerful 180 PS Clean Diesel engine that is combined with the characteristic Volkswagen philosophy of efficiency,” confirmed Volkswagen’s Chairman of the Board, Prof. Martin Winterkorn in Detroit.

The BlueSport features an Eco mode which uses stop-start technology and an energy regeneration mode to help lower fuel consumption. Although, Volkswagen are claiming a relatively small benefit of just 0.2l/100km in normal city driving.

Some of the technology in this car may new for Volkswagen, but there doesn’t appear to be anything earth shattering under the roadster’s gorgeous metalwork. Although, a mid-engined diesel sports car is kind of cool and very now.

Update: Wallpaper sized images of the Volkswagen Concept BlueSport (click an image to load 2000px super image), along with video footage and the official press release are now available below.

Update 15 January: German Car Blog suggests the BlueSport won’t hit the roads until 2012 (that’s if it goes into production). I’ve also added a small clip below from Car and Driver’s YouTube channel.

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Audi

Audi A1 Sportback image gallery

Audi A1 Sportback Concept

The Audi A1 Sportback Concept was first revealed at the Paris Motor Show last October. Here, in all its teutonic glory is an image gallery of the car featuring 23 images, all of which can be viewed as 2000px super images by clicking on a picture to load the larger version. The styling and execution of the A1 Sportback pure Audi and the result is simply stunning.

Ths show car features a hybrid drive 1.4 TFSI which uses a separate electric engine to supplement power to the tune of an extra 20kW and, more impressively, 150Nm of torque during acceleration. Or the electric power can be used to drive the car on its own for a limited range of around 100km. The use of the supplementary electric engine, in copnjunction with energy regenration technology, brings total fuel consumption down to 3.9 litres per 100km and emissions are a very low 92g/km.

The infotainment and mulitmedia capabilities of the car can be viewed through the dash display and are accessible via the steering wheel controls. The press blurb says it best really, “As well as the virtual, large circular dial of the analog speedometer, which is always visible on the right-hand side of the instrument cluster, numerous other displays can be called up on request, and can be selected via control buttons on the steering wheel. These include infotainment, classic navigation by pictogram or map, a rev counter, information on how to drive as efficiently as possible and a current status report on the hybrid drive.”

More information and images after the jump.

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Categories
Volvo

Volvo S60 Concept

Volvo S60 Concept

It’s a Volvo Jim, but not as we know it. The swooping lines, dramatic curves and brooding stance of the S60 Concept bring a new visual language to the Volvo brand. This is a beautiful design solution.

While the design may not be pure Volvo, the development of the car’s safety credentials are true to the brand’s core values. The car features a new Collision Warning system, which incorporates a Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection system, designed to react when a pedestrian walks out in front of a car. The system will activate the car’s full braking power if the driver does not respond to the danger.

The new S60 is scheduled to go on sale in 2010 and Thomas Broberg, safety expert at Volvo Cars, has high expectations for the family sized saloon’s Collision Warning capabilities, “The previous stages were developed to help the driver avoid collisions with other vehicles. Now we are taking a giant step forward with a feature that also boosts safety for unprotected road-users,” explains Thomas Broberg, safety expert at Volvo Cars.

“What is more, we are now advancing from fifty percent to full automatic braking power. To our knowledge, none of our competitors have made such progress in this area. This technology helps us take an important step towards our long-term vision of designing cars that should not crash,” he added.

Briberg’s confidence in his product seems to know no bounds, leading to this extraordinary claim, “Our aim for 2020 is that no one should be killed or injured in a Volvo car.”

Wow, that sounds like a claim only a desperate politician will make. Volvo Australia would neither confirm or deny plans to employ Bob Hawke in a PR role!

Other innovations found in the S60 Concept include a new fuel efficient 1.6 litre diesel GTDi engine and sliding rear doors. Although, in profile view the doors look similar to suicide doors found in the Rolls Royce Phantom, they pop out and slide backwards, parallel to the car’s body in a fashion one would expect on a people mover.

Also included in the concept model is a pretty wild Orrefors crystal centre stack, housing HVAC controls. Quite how that stands up to a crash test is anyone’s guess. I’m tipping that won’t make the production model.

The S60 Concept is due for a full public release at the Detroit Auto Show in mid January 2009. More pics and full press statements after the jump. If you’ve got the patience for creative PR blurb, read the last release below, it’s a pearler!

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News

BMW Concept X1 in video and pictures

“The BMW Concept X1 sets the standard for cool elegance, modern style, and variable function in the premium compact segment,” says Guenther Seemann, Managing Director of BMW Group Australia. Another day, another SUV with tenuous marketing justification. To be fair, this X1 looks a damn sight better than the hideous X6. Expect BMW to sell plenty of X1s and expect plenty to never see any dirt.

Pics and BMW Australia’s press release after the jump. Official Concept X1 microsite HERE.

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen’s Microbus back from the dead?

Volkswagen Microbus

The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that a modified version of Volkswagen’s Microbus could be on the agenda, with the new Chattanooga facility the likely plant to be used for production. The Microbus was launched as a concept in 2001 (see original 2001 press release below) and was originally scheduled for 2005 production before cost cutting measures saw Volkswagen pull the pin. According to the SMH article, a German Volkswagen official claimed, “We’re looking at ways to produce the Microbus that will make it competitive in North America. At the moment there is no firm decision but, with the exchange rate the way it is, there is no way we could entertain building it in Europe.”

Read the Sydney Morning Herald article in full for more detail.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald via autoblog

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