New Concept Car: Volkswagen XL1

In the battle for the sky-highest fuel-efficiency figure, Volkswagen continues to hone its superweapon. The XL1 concept, unveiled today at the Qatar auto show—foolishly, we neglected to put a man on the scene—is a plug-in hybrid boasting triple-digit fuel economy. It builds on prior super-high-efficiency concepts from VW, namely the 1-Liter that debuted in 2002 and the L1 concept that appeared in 2009. The former used a tiny diesel engine and was designed to travel 100 kilometers on a single liter of fuel, hence the name; the L1 added a plug-in hybrid system in pursuit of a more marketable approach to the same goal.

Like the L1, the XL1 uses a two-cylinder turbo-diesel. Displacing 800 cc, it is rated at 47 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque and transmits power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed DSG transmission. The electric motor pitches in with 27 hp and 74 lb-ft, and can work in parallel with the diesel or drive the car independent of it. Fully charged, the XL1 can travel up to 22 miles on electric power, and Volkswagen predicts a fuel-economy rating of 261 mpg in hybrid mode. Performance credentials include a claimed 11.9-second 0-to-62-mph run and a governed top speed of 99 mph.

Riding on an 87.6-inch wheelbase and measuring 153.1 inches long, the XL1 has a footprint similar to that of the Mazda 2. But its Lamborghini Gallardo–like height (just 45.5 inches) helps create a slippery drag coefficient of 0.19. The unusual body design was largely influenced by the L1 concept, with a bubble-like greenhouse and sharply tapered rear end that help achieve the outstanding Cd. Two large scissor doors swing up from the A-pillar for easy—and showy—access. The cockpit has two bucket seats, with the passenger seat mounted slightly farther back than the driver’s.

The body is built from carbon fiber, with further weight gains realized by using magnesium wheels, ceramic brake discs, and aluminum suspension components. As a result, the XL1 tips the scales at a skinny 1753 pounds, with just 406 of those accounted for by steel or iron parts.

Volkswagen says the XL1 is “still very much a concept,” but this series of concepts is moving in a very deliberate direction: VW CEO Martin Winterkorn has promised a production version of the 1-Liter by 2013. We’re just wondering how well oil-rich Qatar receives the idea of a 261-mpg car. Next year, we’ll be sure to send someone to the show.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

New Concept Car: Mitsubishi Global Small Vehicle

Mitsubishi has been slowly dishing bits and pieces of its plans to increase U.S. sales and market share, which we’ve now learned to include a new family of models that will be produced at its U.S. factory, along with a new global subcompact offering.

Let’s start with that small hatchback. Mitsubishi teased the new B-segment offering earlier this year, when it unveiled sketches of what it dubbed the New Global Small back in December. The company just announced, however, that the car will be shown in concept form (pictured) at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Few finite details have been announced to date, but Mitsubishi officials have confirmed to us that the NGS will, in fact, be sold in North America, where it will compete against the Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2, Chevrolet Sonic, and the forthcoming Hyundai Accent hatchback. Mitsubishi’s offering, however, may prove to be on the smaller side of that segment. In other markets, the car will be fitted with 1.0- and 1.2-liter I-4 engines and a CVT, both engineered to provide maximum efficiency. Mitsu, in fact, says these features, along with regenerative braking, will help yield best-in-class fuel economy.

Mitsubishi expects on launching the new subcompact in North America by 2013, but the car won’t be built on the continent. That said, the automaker is finalizing plans as to what vehicles it will build within its U.S. assembly plant in Normal, Illinois. Automotive News suggests a family of vehicles based upon the GM platform used for the Lancer, Outlander, and Outlander Sport, will be produced at the plant. A Mitsubishi spokesman confirmed that the new U.S.-built vehicles will be built on the GM platform and suggested an SUV or crossover-like vehicle would be the most logical possibility. However, he did note there is the possibility of building other variants — excepting, of course, the niche Lancer Evolution — at the Illinois site.

Mitsubishi is expected to finalize its U.S. production plans on January 20, but for now, things remain up in the air. If AN’s source is on the money, expect production to begin roughly two years after the Galant, Endeavor, and Eclipse — all currently built in Normal — are phased out of production.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

First Sketch: Mazda Minagi Concept

Images of what we believe to be a Geneva show concept from Mazda leaked onto the Internet today. The red SUV concept called Minagi is destined to become a CX-5 or next-generation CX-7 in toned-down production form.

Clearly influenced by Mazda’s new design language that first appeared on its Shinari concept, the Minagi SUV loses the smiling grille that has defined the lineup for a few years now. Not too long ago, prototypes of the CX-5 were caught winter testing. Adding a CX-5 to the U.S. Mazda lineup could help the automaker reach buyers who want a crossover with a base price of under $20,000. The Tribute and CX-7 both feature base prices above that barrier.

Mazda hasn’t confirmed that the leaked content is genuine, but even if this isn’t the CX-5, 2012 will be the sixth model year for the CX-7, a crossover in need of an update soon.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Detroit Show 2011 Highlights: Porsche 918 RSR Concept

Porsche is showcasing the future production version of its 918 hybrid project — and stealing the limelight at this week’s Detroit motor show — with this 756bhp race car, called 918 RSR.

The new model takes the powerplant originally showcased in the 918 Spyder at the 2010 Geneva show and builds on its power and efficiency. Its V8 motor (Porsche hasn’t revealed its capacity yet but acknowledges that it’s a development of the RS Spyder racer’s 3.4-litre unit) produces an extra 55bhp, taking it to 555bhp at a heady 10,300rpm.

That grunt is fed through the rear wheels via a six-speed paddle-shift transmission, while a pair of front-mounted electric motors contribute an additional 201bhp to give a total of 756bhp. They use energy stored during braking in a flywheel spinning at up to 36,000rpm, and their power is called up manually by the driver pushing a button.

The flywheel system, which has potential weight benefits over heavy battery cells, is a development of the set-up already used by Porsche’s current hybrid racer, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid. It uses technology commissioned by Porsche and built by a division of the Williams F1 team.

Porsche claims the system can provide up to eight seconds of continuous supply when fully charged, and that it offers a torque vectoring ability to improve agility and steering response. However, in the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, the electric motors can also be used to help reduce fuel consumption, cutting the number of pitstops required or allowing the vehicle to run with less fuel on board.

The 918 RSR’s construction focuses on keeping the car’s weight to a minimum. As with the original Spyder, its monocoque chassis is made from carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). But unlike the Geneva show car, the RSR has a hard-top and doors that open vertically.

It’s widely believed that the shape of the RSR — huge rear wing excepted — is that of the eventual 918 production model. Many of the core features of the 918 Spyder remain, including the deeply scalloped rear bodywork, side-mounted exhausts and air intakes at either side and on top of the rear cowling.

The number carried by the Detroit show car — 22 — pays tribute to a 917 short-tail coupé that won the 1971 Le Mans 24 Hours in the hands of Helmut Marko and Gijs van Lennep. Its distance record — 3315.21 miles at an average speed of 138.13mph — stood until last year’s running of the classic enduro. The car’s colour scheme is a blend of what Porsche calls “liquid metal blue” and the orange commonly used on the firm’s hybrid projects.

Thanks to: Autocar

GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept - Detroit Auto Show 2011 Live Photos and Video

General Motors delivers a video dedicated to his pickup Sierra All Terrain HD, introduced last Monday to the Detroit auto show. The prototype is scrutinized-engine, transmission, suspension, everything going on (see video below).

For the record, the Sierra All Terrain HD is a shorter version, wider and taller GMC Sierra standard. General Motors announced a capacity of 1,225 kg and a towing capacity of 5,896 kg ... a real monster!

Under the hood sits a 6.6 liter V8 engine Duramax turbo diesel develops a whopping 397 horsepower for a maximum torque of 1037 Nm.

Future Prius C Concept Live Photos - Detroit Auto Show 2011

Toyota gave us a preview of what to expect by showing the Prius C Concept at the Detroit Auto Show – a car that will come to life in the first half of 2012. Toyota promises that it will be the most fuel-efficient hybrid (that doesn't need a plug) and will be the most "value-oriented hybrid" in the United States.

2012 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe Concept Live Photos - Detroit Auto Show 2011

Civic Coupe and Sedan at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show today, and the automaker says that along with mildly updated exteriors, both vehicles will wear improved interiors compared to the current-generation Civic.

Detroit Auto Show 2011: Hyundai Curb Concept Small Crossover

Hyundai Curb Concept

Trouble is brewing for the Nissan Juke. Hyundai has made in its assault on the Curb Detroit, a concept that aims to guide the style "Fluidic Sculpture" at the garages of younger consumers. The result is a small SUV (4.1 meters), almost with an air of coupe, and a daring shared with the equally impressive Veloster, which has also received his first bath of masses in Detroit. His conduct fell under the responsibility of studying the South Korean manufacturer in California.

KIA showed a concept minivan KV7 in Detroit 2011 Live Photos

The Korean carmaker KIA shown at an international motor show in Detroit concept minivan KV7. This model is wider and lower than most on the market today minivans. According to the automaker, the new car is made in the same design concept that Soul, Sportage and Sorento. KIA KV7 got elongated LED headlamps and sporty 20-inch wheels made of light alloys. The main highlight of the minivan is the back door of the "gull wing".

All seats, including driver, can rotate around its axis and to move about the cabin. The interior of a minivan decorated with natural materials such as wood and wool. Inside KV7 installed LED lights. On the dashboard there is a large display, which displays entertainment system, browser, and climate control. Pressing the button engine start getting on the screen at 15 cm closer to the driver.

Minivan KIA KV7 equipped with two-liter turbocharged engine with direct fuel supply, power is equal to 285 hp The same engine equipped with an American version of the new sedan Optima. Engine KV7 aggregated with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Concept MINI Paceman does not feel the lack of attention in Detroit

As planned, the original concept MINI Paceman reached North America. Under the hood was Paceman 1.6-liter four-cylinder version of the twin-scroll turbocharged from the John Cooper Works, capable of 211 hp and 280 Nm of torque, complete with function Overboost.

Wheel drive - MINI ALL4, but there are other concepts. With regard to the suspension, the front is a MacPherson, and the rear multi-link.

According to the company's first Sports Activity Coupe in the premium class. The car was very bold and distinctive design, with large headlights and chrome, it is interesting and a hood with a nice grille. Established concept in the 19-inch wheels.

Interior MINI Paceman relies on the traditional values of the company, but added new elements, including the sophisticated center console and ergonomic armrests.

Detroit 2011: Hyundai Concept Curb, to counter the Nissan Juke

Hyundai showed his bike station at the opening of the Detroit show has also introduced a concept car called the Curb. From its original forms, the crossover seems to directly confront the recent Nissan Juke which is said to have marked the minds and aroused a lot of orders. Koreans are determined to invest all niches.

The Curb deploys the design language called Fluidic sculpture on the theme of a small compact crossover aimed at a younger than usual. Officials of the Korean state that wanted an urban vehicle that does not look like a truck transporting money, hence the tortured lines of the Curb. The engine is the new 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that produces 175 hp with the addition of a turbo, the power spreads to the road via 22-inch wheels with Michelin road. The new 6-speed dual-clutch box is also part of the highway and consumption would fall under the 6l/100km.

The machine is adapted to its customers as an integrated bicycle carrier is hiding in the back when, as on the bike station, two small doors facilitate access to the rear while a roof rack provides storage originals. The interior features a large touchscreen and a head-up display shows GPS data and the images of mirrors. The technology package grouped under the label Blue Link is also in the game.
This Curb HCD12 is otherwise known as indicated by its code name the twelfth office concept of American design from Hyundai.

First official photos of Hyundai Curb Concept 2011

Hyundai Curb  Concept 2011

There will represent long anticipated hot hatch Veloster. But he will not be alone in the spotlight. Beside him will be no less interesting concept crossover called the Curb. Now published by Hyundai first official pictures of the car.


South Korean company has so far been very little published information on this model, codenamed HCD-12. We know only that was developed at the company's design center in California, USA.
More likely to know when the official premiere of Curb in Detroit scheduled for January 10 in Detroit.

First Sketch: Hyundai Curb Concept

Just a few days prior to the 2011 Detroit auto show, Hyundai has teased a second vehicle that will debut alongside its production-bound Veloster. Besides the fact that it’s an SUV concept called the Curb, Hyundai has thus far given no other details beyond being told it was designed at Hyundai’s California Design Center. We will, however, have full details around 3 p.m. on Monday, January 10.

That’s not to say we can’t figure some stuff out. From the two teaser images, it appears as if the Curb will truly be a concept—meaning it’s possible we’ll see its design influence future products, but a direct take on the Curb isn’t likely to roll up to real-world curbs anytime soon. A gander at the futuristic interior reveals high-tech gadgetry like a giant, unusually shaped infotainment screen in the center stack (it boasts an iTunes-style cover-flow interface for music; the creator of the sketch apparently vibes on Mos Def and Phoenix, among others); touch-sensitive controls littered about throughout; and thin-backed bucket seats. All of this stuff would theoretically be possible today, but it will be a while before any of it actually makes it into production cars.

On the outside, the Curb’s styling looks to be a further evolution of Hyundai’s current “Fluidic Sculpture” design direction, and the whole thing is capped by a greenhouse similar to the new Land Rover Evoque’s. We also can discern that the Curb will have two full-size doors with at least one half door behind the front passenger. Large, cross-drilled rotors fill the giant wheels, and the Curb’s stance is decidedly sporty.

All in all, the Curb looks like a fun concept—check back Monday afternoon for full details and more images.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

First Sketch: Kia KV7 Concept

Kia decided to play Santa early and gifted us with a teaser of its KV7 Concept, which is scheduled to debut next month at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

As you can see from the rendering, the KV7 Concept is a crossover whose lines resemble an extended Kia Soul or, if you squint a little, the Ford Flex (though albeit smaller). The KV7’s most funky feature, though, are those secondary passenger doors, which swing up straight up and out – gullwing style. Look out SLS AMG! Inside, the second row bucket seats can swivel to face each other and the rear of the vehicle. Wonder if there will be table inside?

Otherwise, rims match the rest of the Kia family, and it looks like the KV7 will get the Kia corporate face, with the right front headlamp which looking like an evolution from the Kia Kue Kue Concept which debuted back in at the 2007 Detroit Show.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Concept Car: GMC Sierra All-Terrain HD

Despite everything you've read, there is still a market for big, expensive lifestyle pickup trucks. So GMC is tackling the Ford SVT Raptor/Dodge Power Wagon market with its own kind of executive off-roader, the Sierra All Terrain Concept. Unlike the Raptor, it's based on the Sierra 2500 HD. And keep in mind that at this point, it's only a concept. In fact, just as the Ford Super Chief concept hinted about the look of the latest F-150, the Sierra All Terrain hints at the next 1500 Sierra, due in the '13 model year.

The concept GMC previewed Thursday features a 39-degree approach angle and 31 degree departure angle. Built on an '11 Sierra 2500 crew cab body, with a 1500's five-foot, eight-inch box, the concept has a stock Duramax turbodiesel, making 390 horsepower and 745 pound-feet, like the production engine. Transmission also is stock, the Allison six-speed automatic. Thanks to the non-stock box/body combo, the concept's wheelbase is 149 inches, two inches shorter than a Sierra 2500 Crew Cab.

Suspension features custom upper- and lower-control arms, and Fox supplied second rebound shocks front and rear.

Tires are knobby 35-inch BFGs on 20-inch aluminum wheels. The front clip and hood is unique to the concept, with larger hood intakes to feed more air to the 6.6-liter Duramax.

On the profile, you'll notice a blacked-out b-pillar and anodized trim. A custom automatic swing-down entry/exit step stays out of the way for serious off-roading, and there's another swing-down step for the box just behind the rear doors, for easier loading and unloading.

It's no basic work truck, which means the leather interior is straight out of the HD Sierra Denali. A new radio includes an 80-gig hard drive. The concept adds lockable side storage compartments, with an electrical outlet, a compressed air outlet and a 360-degree floodlight in the box.

Way in back, the designers have added LED taillamps and an integrated skidplate, and dual exhausts.

So, any production plans? It would be easy for GMC to build this truck, mostly with off-the-shelf parts. And like the Ford F-150 Raptor SVT, it would be a low-volume, high-price halo truck, anyway. It's more important as a kind of hint about what the next Sierra will look like. The styling suggests homage to the ground-breaking "fuselage"-style GM pickups of 1973, though there's a bit of Ford F-Series in the grille graphic.

It's also a chance for GMC to facelift the current Heavy Duty Sierras, which were redesigned for '11. Due to budget constraints, GMC (and Chevy with the HD Silverado) concentrated on making a new truck under the skin. There's very little visual difference from the previous heavy duty trucks.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Concept Car: Volkswagen Taxi

All hail to the up! The latest addition to Volkswagen’s series of up! concept cars, called the VW Taxi Concept, is the last prototype before the city car goes into production next year – and this time designers have looked to our capital city for inspiration!

The final installation in a trio of ‘World Taxis’, the electric three-seater is designed to address the challenges facing cabs in modern cities, which include tighter emissions regulations and increasing demands on space.

Despite being unlike a London black cab in size or shape, the futuristic model features all the add-ons you’d expect, including a ‘Taxi’ light on the roof and the jet-black paint job.

Some more unusual cues include a monochrome Union Jack roof and the London coat of arms applied to the doors. But the smartest part is the use of space. Measuring 3.73 metres in length, 1.66m in width and 1.6m in height, it’s more compact than VW’s current smallest car, the Fox. But there’s still space for the driver plus two passengers, with legroom comparable to a saloon.

Luggage is stored where the front passenger seat would go, removing the need for a boot. The driver sits behind a touchscreen display which relays information on the vehicle’s vital functions, as well as fare and navigation data. Customers in the back are greeted by a large multifunction display showing weather information, their route and immediate location.

Based heavily on the Space up! and Space up! blue concepts, shown at the 2007 Tokyo and LA Motor Shows respectively, the newcomer has been restyled again. The swept-back headlights and vertical rear light assemblies have both been redesigned, while an asymmetrical door layout adds to the car’s functionality.

A conventional front-hinged door on the left allows the driver to climb on board, while an electric sliding door on the other side provides a much larger opening for passengers. Under the skin is an all-electric powertrain similar to the e-up! concept.

Lithium-ion batteries provide power to a single 113bhp electric motor, while the car’s total weight is 1,500kg – which points towards a 0-62mph sprint of 10 seconds and top speed of 74mph. VW claims a range of 186 miles between charges is possible.

The taxi-inspired concept made its debut at a dedicated event in the UK capital this week. The full production version of the up! city car will be revealed next summer. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

2011 VW Taxi Concept UP : New design study based on the Space Up

2011 VW Taxi Concept UP

2011 VW Taxi Concept UP

2011 VW Taxi Concept UP interior

2011 VW Taxi Concept UP

2011 VW Taxi Concept UP

Volkswagen presents the study Taxi Concept. The car is based on the famous London-Taxi TX4, which is produced by British firm LTI. The study is based on the planned minivan called the Space Up! and differs only in details of the "Milano Taxi ", the VW has launched in spring 2010. The car is painted black instead of green. There are also details such as a silver Union Jack on the roof and the coats of arms of city of London on both flanks as well as on the dashboard.

First Sketch: Honda Civic Concept

Remember the Civic? With the high level of flux in the econobox segment of late, Honda’s little sedan and coupe have been somewhat overlooked. The current generation landed in the U.S. for 2006, so the car is just about due for a rework, which will appear in concept form at the 2011 Detroit show.

If Honda concepts of the recent past are any indicator, the production Civic—due in the spring of 2011 as a 2012—should look a lot like the little red number sketched here. And that means it will in turn look a lot like the current European Civic; this sketch shows a combination of the Euro car’s aggressive headlights and the wide-mouth grille on the current U.S. Civic. The lower fascia also gets angry, and there appear to be LED strips situated inboard of the fog lamps. And we’re hoping for more stylistic lightning bolts, à la 2011 Odyssey’s beltline.

As for what will power the new car, we expect a lineup of four-cylinder engines similar to the current car’s, as well as the return of the Civic hybrid. Look for more information—on the concept, at least—early next year.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Hot News: A New Concept Car from Mini at Geneva Show 2011

Mini is likely to show a super-small city car at the Geneva show next March, according to hints from the brand’s boss, Wolfgang Armbrecht.

The long-rumoured concept is expected to be the same size as the original Mini, competing directly with the Toyota IQ. It’s likely to be based on a version of today’s Mini platform, making it a candidate to be built in the UK.

Armbrecht was also quoted in a Financial Times Deutschland interview as saying that another, larger, Mini concept would be shown at the Detroit show in January.

However, industry reports say that BMW’s development chief Klaus Draeger has warned that the Mini brand should not build too many large cars, because of the potential risks to the brand.

Autocar sources have said that some in BMW’s senior management are cautious about the likely success of the Countryman project.

The five-door model would need to be judged a successful addition to the brand if it is to survive and become part of the next-generation Mini family based on the upcoming BMW group front-drive drive platform.

Thanks to: Autocar

The concept Peugeot EX1 broke new records in China ..

Peugeot EX1 concept

The concept car Peugeot 100% electric EX1, which had already set several records in Montlhéry in September, has set new lap times in China, during a meeting of runs made on the military airport of Chengdu ...
Han Han, pilot, writer and famous Chinese blogger, very popular with young people, smashed the official records originally made in France, about 1 / 8 miles and about 1 / 4 miles with respective times of 7.08 sec and of 12.67 sec. Nicolas Vannier, explorer, filmmaker and French rider, a great defender of the environment, for its part, reached the symbolic longitudinal acceleration of 1G on 39m and crossed the 0 to 100km / h in 3.49 sec!