Tag: concept

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The BMW Lovos

According to its designer, Anne Forschner, a graduate of Pforzheim University in Germany, Lovos stands for Lifestyle of Voluntary Simplicity, although the word simplicity is not what comes to mind when you see this concept.

The Lovos is composed of 260 panels of similar dimensions that are fully interchangeable.  Each exterior piece is covered in solar photovoltaic cells, which can follow the sun or act as individual brakes.  Therefore, we can only assume that the vehicle would be powered by electricity.

Even if the Lovos never becomes a reality, it raises an interesting question regarding how cars can be designed.  The idea of a single piece being repeated throughout a car opens many possible options for the future.

 

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Will the M1 Return?

The presentation of the BWM concept M1 Hommage at the Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance in April 2008 had Beamer fans raising their eyebrows.

Now, after the German carmaker’s presentation of the Vision EfficientDynamics concept in Frankfurt, rumours are once again on the loose.

Efficiency and dynamism have been the key words for BMW lately, and the notion of a high-performance ecological supercar powered by a hybrid engine acts as an ideal starting point.

Thanks to its small diesel engine and electric motors, the M1 can crank out 350 horsepower and hit 100 km/h from 0 in less than 5 seconds.

Britain’s Auto Express reported that the car would be released in 2012 with a price tag of around $130 000 CAD.

With BMW’s absence from the niche of supercars following the Z8’s disappearance, the luxury brand and its 4-seater coupe could be making a smashing return.

 

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Buick Attacks the Compacts

Today, the General Motors subsidiary revealed the first glimpse of the Avant Concept on the GMLab site, revealing a luxury compact with the "Made in the USA" label.

Designers did not skimp when it came to innovation. The doors can open conventionally, but when parked in a tight spot, the doors can slide forward, laterally.

If the driver is alone, he/she can be situated (seat, steering column and pedals) in the centre of the cabin. When there is a passenger, the driver can slide back to the left in traditional fashion.

The roof is glass, but comes equipped with a technology called "micro pergola," which allows for a clear or an opaque view.

Ultimately, GM’s latest project comes at a time when the company must innovate to overcome crisis. Hopefully, the car will one day be seen on the streets.

 

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Further Details on the MX-5 Superlight Concept

As indicated, the key word in mind is light. Mazda got rid of the unnecessary, such as the windshield and roof, resulting in a loss of nearly 100 kg for a grand total of 995 kg on the scale.

The engine and gear box are taken from the standard version without modification, and the 1.8-litre block still provides 125 hp.

Thanks to its weight loss, the MX-5 Superlight Concept registers 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds in comparison to the roadster’s typical 9.9 seconds. The shell is better reinforced for better handling.

It’s hard to imagine the MX-5 Superlight actually being seen on the streets, though we can always dream. In the meantime, it will be revealed to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

 

 

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Further Details on the MX-5 Superlight Concept

As indicated, the key word in mind is light. Mazda got rid of the unnecessary, such as the windshield and roof, resulting in a loss of nearly 100 kg for a grand total of 995 kg on the scale.

The engine and gear box are taken from the standard version without modification, and the 1.8-litre block still provides 125 hp.

Thanks to its weight loss, the MX-5 Superlight Concept registers 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds in comparison to the roadster’s typical 9.9 seconds. The shell is better reinforced for better handling.

It’s hard to imagine the MX-5 Superlight actually being seen on the streets, though we can always dream. In the meantime, it will be revealed to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

 

 

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The Toyota Prius Plug-In Concept

The Japanese brand already introduced a version of its Prius 2 plug-in, which can presumably undergo the same fate as its predecessor, the best-selling hybrid in the world.

Aside from its decor, nothing visually distinguishes the Prius plug-in concept from the classic Prius other than a door where the car gets recharged. 
In the plug-in concept, the conventional battery pack is replaced by a lithium-ion battery, allowing the car to travel 20 km on electric power at higher speeds, which is an improvement from before. The Prius plug-in recharges in 3 hours when hooked up to 100 volts and 1 hour, 40 minutes when charged at 200 volts.
For now, there are no plans to market the car, although 500 Prius plug-ins will soon be tested in Japan, the United States, Great Britain, France and Germany.
 
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The Hyundai ix-Metro

With a futuristic look, featuring angles combined with soft curves, the Hyundai immediately brings to mind the latest concepts from Mazda, the Furai and Taiki. 

With the Hyundai ix-Metro, the Korean carmaker has introduced some interesting technical features.  Like many of its competitors, the Hyundai has downsized under the hood.  The car is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, along with a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain.  However, don’t be fooled by the smaller engine, because it still packs 125 horsepower. The car also features a 6-speed transmission with a double clutch. 

Also considered one of the most eco-friendly cars, the ix-Metro promises just 80g/km of CO2 emissions.

The ix-Metro should be available to the public in the next two years.

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Two New Minis Coming from England

The BMW plant was forced to let 850 workers go earlier this year, but the new models in production, as well as the Mini Convertible and the Mini Clubman, are bringing people back to work.  The increase in production is also expected to create new jobs in addition to re-employing former workers.

The Mini Coupe will be making its debut in a few days at the Frankfurt Motor Show.  The second new model has not been unveiled.  It is believed to be a small SUV (possibly called the Countryman).  The vehicle may be produced by Magna in Austria.  Additional information will be available following the show in Frankfurt.

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BMW’s Green Supercar

Few details have been given concerning the green sports car that is destined to make BMW the star of Germany.

The propeller-logo brand claims that the concept car will demonstrate how a sports car can be efficient.

It is believed that the Vision EfficientDynamics is powered by a hybrid diesel/electric motor. The model can allegedly hit 0 to 100km/h in approximately 5 seconds, consumes 3.5 litres per 100 km, and resonates with the company’s "joy defines the future" slogan.

More details will soon be revealed from now until mid-September, when the car makes its debut at the Frankfurt motor show.

 

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BMW Mini Celebrates 50 Years

Strictly a two-seater, the Mini Coupe Concept is a reinterpretation of the brand’s traditional, recognizable design elements, including the car’s grill, round headlights and rear brake lights.

The car will likely have a bigger appeal with sportsmen, with its roof spoiler, 18-inch wheels, high waistline and muscular shoulders.  Inside, the two bucket seats leave room to spare. 

Under the hood is a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 211 horsepower, the same as which is currently found in the Mini John Cooper Works.  The center of gravity is lower than the classic version, giving the driver even more grip on winding roads.

The Mini Coupe Concept will be presented at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, and production will begin when adequate orders have been placed.