Concepts » Australian Car Advice

BMW CS Concept Canceled

November 5th, 2008 8 Comments

One of the most highly anticipated BMW cars, the CS Concept, has been canceled due to the financial crisis.

In a press conference today, BMW’s CEO, Mr Reithofer, confirmed that there will not be a series model of Concept CS. The CS had been rumored to be the next BMW flagship which might have replaced the discontinued 8 Series.

Lexus LF-Xh concept & IS 250C 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 12 Comments

Lexus has unveiled its LF-Xh hybrid SUV concept and lifted the lid off its IS 250 with a new convertible model straight from the Paris Show.

The all-wheel drive LF-Xh features a V6 petrol engine mated to an electric hybrid drive system.

Nissan Mixim concept 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 3 Comments

Nissan’s Mixim looks like no other small city car. The dramatic swept-back wraparound windscreen is the dominant feature, inspired by a crash helmet’s visor. The flowing roofline finishes at a sharply truncated rear hatch. Large scissor-hinged doors encroach into the roof making access easy.

Behind the F1-style, centrally mounted driver’s seat are two passenger seats, while a further occasional seat is slotted in behind in the spacious luggage area. The driver’s seat can move aside to aid passengers’ entry and exit.

With a potential maximum range of 250km from the two 50kW electric motors. The futuristic laminate Lithium-Ion batteries are quick to recharge; from discharged to fully charged takes between 20 and 40 minutes, or less time than the average lunch-break.

Mixim has a 2530mm wheelbase, and is just 3700mm long, 1800mm wide and 1400mm high. Thus it is shorter and lower than a Nissan Micra, though slightly wider. The lightweight composite body allows a kerb weight of just 950kg.

Inside, the driver grasps a U-shaped steering wheel and there are rear view cameras in place of door mirrors, relaying the view from behind onto screens at each end of tes a virtual representation of the front wheels.

This is linked to real-time movement of the steering wheel to give the driver the impression of being in control of a single-seater racing car. From a steering input point of view that’s not too wide of the mark: Mixim needs just half a turn to go from lock-to-lock.

The U-shaped steering wheel resembles a computer race game controller. As with F1 racers, the wheel incorporates switches for control functions. The Mixim concept was shown for the first time at Frankfurt in 2007 and was designed by Nissan’s Japanese think-tank that’s looking well over the horizon, to cater to the needs of the young drivers of 2020.

These drivers will have been brought up in the age of computers and the internet and will be comfortable with virtual friendships and relationships, according to Nissan’s futurologists. They will not feel as passionate about cars as previous generations; rather to Inoue, the chief designer of Nissan’s exploratory design studio, led a design team with an average age of just 25 to create Mixim, a new merging of the most up-to-date electric vehicle technology in a svelte and distinctive coupé shape.

“We wanted to create an icon for this digital generation… something that went far beyond the stereotypes to which their parents tend to be attracted,” he said.

The ‘Super Motor’ features dual rotors inside and outside, a single stator coil and, as a result, can output power through two shafts at the same time. By controlling the power output of each shaft separately, it is possible to drive right and left wheels independently.

Thanks to the use of compound current, the ‘Super Motor’ offers greater power density than conventional motors. As well as powering pure electric vehicles, the ‘Super Motor’ has application potential for petrol/electric hybrids and fuel cell vehicles.

Unlike a conventional Lithium-Ion battery with its bulky cylindrical cells, Nissan’s Lithium-Ion battery uses thin laminated cells and has fewer components overall. This boosts its power by a factor of 1.5 at the same time as halving its physical size.

The cell construction, in turn, means a thin modular design is possible with a commensurate improvement in battery cooling efficiency. Higher power outputs are also achieved through material improvements made to its lithium manganate positive electrode and carbon negative electrode.

This small yet more powerful battery also provides packaging advantages. Locating the compact cells under the floor of the car not only lowers the centre of gravity, but also permits the development of a low, flat floor with commensurate gains in interior space.

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Mazda Taiki concept 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 4 Comments

Mazda has staked its claim for top billing at the Australian International Motor Show by displaying its amazing Taiki concept car.

Taiki is one of an acclaimed series of design studies unveiled by Mazda in recent years. It is an exercise in advanced aerodynamics that hints at a future generation of more sustainable sports cars.

Suzuki Kizashi 3 concept 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 7 Comments

Suzuki is set to steal the limelight at this year’s Australian International Motor Show when it unveils the latest in its acclaimed Kizashi series of concept cars.

Kizashi 3 previews Suzuki’s plans to enter the hotly contested medium passenger car segment with a high performance sports sedan.

The concept is powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring plated cylinders – a weight and space-saving technology that evolved from lessons learnt by Suzuki’s MotoGP and World Rally Championship motorsport teams.

The 220 kW VVT engine is teamed with a paddle-shift six-speed automatic gearbox and Advanced i-AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system.

Suzuki says Kizashi - a Japanese word meaning prelude or foretaste - is a clear sign of things to come from the brand.

“This concept represents a new direction for Suzuki in that it takes our expertise with smaller sporty vehicles and translates that into the midsized segment,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers, “We believe Kizashi will break the mould of typical midsized or family vehicles, when it goes into production next year.”

Suzuki grew sales to over 2.3 million motor vehicles world-wide last year and says a new medium segment car is essential to achieve further sales growth.

While a firm timetable is still to be announced, Devers said production of the exciting new mid-sized sedan would begin in late 2009.

“Our engineers are also considering the possibilities of hybrid-powered and state-of-the-art clean diesel versions of the car,” said Devers, “The Concept Kizashi series was developed by Suzuki’s Advanced Design Group to reflect, it says, “the strong, honed physique of a dynamic athlete in motion.”

The bulging bonnet, wide track abbreviated overhangs and aggressive wheel and tyre combinations convey an underlying strength and performance orientated image.

Kizashi is designed to accommodate the diverse lifestyles of customers who want to stay with Suzuki when purchasing larger, midsize cars.

Specifications:

Powertrain: Front engine, all-wheel drive with i-AWD system
Seating capacity: Five
Tyres: 255/30ZR21 9.5J
Wheels: 21-inch, nine-spoke, aluminium
Engine: 3.6-litre DOHC 24-valve V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Maximum power: 220 kW
Overall length: 4,650mm
Overall width: 1,900 mm
Overall height: 1,450mm
Wheelbase: 2,800mm
Body colour: Kizashi Silver

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Mazda Kiyora Concept

October 2nd, 2008 13 Comments

Japanese giant Mazda has a plan, it’s called the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom plan and the aim is to not only create more fuel efficient cars but to keep the passion alive.

Specifically, the Hiroshima based manufacturer wants to cut improve the average fuel economy of Mazda vehicles sold globally 30 per cent by 2015 (over 2008 levels).

In order to do that, Mazda will need to develop a new range of internal combustion gasoline and diesel engines as well as begin working on lighter cars and more intuitive technologies.

The first step is the company’s new unique Smart Idle-Stop System (SISS) and direct injection engines which will hit the market sometime next year. Moving forward, 2011 will see a whole new powertrain lineup, meaning new petrol and diesel engines and transmissions across the entire range.

Mazda hopes to achieve a 20 percent fuel efficiency improvement but this stage. This will be helped along by efforts in weight reduction of at least 100 kilograms or more per model.

Now, back to focus of the article, say hello to the Mazda Kiyora concept which will be on display at the Paris Motor Show very soon. The car is the future, according to the company. Not only is it more fuel efficient but, apparently, it’s still exciting to look at and drive.

“Mazda Design has been working hard over the past two years to develop an exciting new design message with its Nagare series,” says Peter Birtwhistle, Chief Designer, Mazda Motor Europe. “Mazda Kiyora is the latest iteration of that philosophy.”

Perhaps an indication of a future Mazda2 (the concept is 10cm shorter than the current Mazda2), the Kiyora is made from a rigid and lightweight carbon-fibre body structure powered by a tiny 1.3-litre direct injection engine (with CO2 emissions of under 90g/km).

The entire car has been designed with new ideas in mind. For example the roof of the Kiyora is transparent, for an open-air feeling on the inside and has photovoltaic solar cells which provide electricity for the car’s interior systems.

To save weight the doors and side windows are essentially one single unit (badly named as Windoors) and function as both. Mazda has given up on glass, instead choosing plastic, which provides the same transparency and refraction properties as glass, and the strength of a thin-panel door, but with far less weight.

From the inside the instrument cluster has turned to water. Mazda calls liquid-skin display technology, a system that mimics the rippling that water makes when you touch it with your finger. When the Kiyora is turned off, the interface looks like ice, frozen and hard. When the car is switched on, the display appears to turn into water!

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Holden made Chevrolet Orlando Paris debut

October 2nd, 2008 35 Comments

Holden will play a vital role in building GM’s international reputation at the Paris Auto Show with the public unveiling of the new Chevrolet Orlando.

Unlike projects involving Holden in the past, the Orlando was actually designed at GM’s global design centre in Bupyeong, Korea and built at GM’s Technical Centre in Port Melbourne before being shipped to Paris.

Lamborghini Estoque four-door concept leaked

October 2nd, 2008 28 Comments

It’s official, Lamborghini may well have built the worlds best looking four-door concept car but at this stage, it is only a concept and therefore lags behind the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.

My bet is though, that Lambo boss, Stephan Winkleman has already given a green light to the Estoque and we can’t wait for it to go into production in Sant’Agata.

Make no mistake, the Estoque is a sports car in true Lamborghini style and DNA: “extreme, uncompromising and unmistakably Italian”

Four seats and ample luggage space, this four door Lamborghini is billed as an “everyday Sports car”.

You’ll have to agree, it’s a superb looking car. Long wheelbase, low profile and a feast of Lamborghini accents, none more obvious than the 23-inch rear wheels.

It’s the first time in the company’s history that they have built a sedan and its fair to say that some diehard supporters of the brand may not like the idea of Lamborghini and four doors in the same sentence. Boo-hoo to them.

Lamborghini haven’t specified a driveline for the Estoque but there are a number of tantalising possibilities. The V-10 from the Gallardo LP 560-4 would be hard to go past, given its significant torque output and permanent all-wheel drive.

There’s is also talk of a turbocharged V8 derived form the Gallardo but even more interesting, is the idea of a V8 hybrid or super high performance turbo diesel. Whatever they choose, you can guarantee it won’t be underpowered.

The design accents are all Lamborghini from the Y-shape LED rear light clusters and hexagonal fuel caps on both sides of the car.

You’ll also notice the the small Italian flag on the front wings. We love that Italian heritage stuff.

Lamborghini are talking about comfort for four people over long distances, so you can assume that there will be plenty of legroom and space with four individual seats, which will be electrically adjustable.

High-end Nappa leather is the upholstery of choice and a large LCD screen will control vehicle and route information. A top shelf audio unit and rear seat entertainment system will be included in the package.

The new category of super sports sedans just got hotter with the Lamborghini Estoque concept. Let’s hope a new production line at Sant’Agata is already busy building it.

Original Article

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After weeks of tantalising teasers and rampant speculation, Lamborghini has finally unintentionally unveiled its latest concept - the Estoque.

Our earlier predictions have been confirmed, with the Estoque boasting a four-door, front-engined layout as Lamborghini’s response to the Rapide and Panamera.

These first official images of the entire concept were leaked earlier today by a French website, much to the dismay of Lamborghini who no doubt had a few more teasers lined up.

Added speculation continues to suggest the Estoque will borrow the 560hp V10 engine from the LP560-4, along with part of its design DNA.

The front splitter is pure LP560-4 whilst the rear tail lights are unmistakably Reventon in origin.

For now this is merely educated speculation; however the full details will be released tomorrow when the Paris Auto Show begins.

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SAAB 9-X Air concept unveiled at Paris

October 1st, 2008 No Comments

The 9-X Air Concept is a design vision exploring what the future open-air SAAB could look like. It features a unique ‘Canopy Top’ and the close-coupled proportions of a sports car, as well as 2+2 seat accommodation.

In breaking the mould of conventional convertible design, the bodywork of the 9-X Air incorporates prominent rear pillars which curve upwards to mount the flat folding Canopy Top. They also anchor a distinctive, wraparound glasshouse, including a separate, recessed rear screen.

Lamborghini release another teaser

October 1st, 2008 3 Comments

Lamborghini is milking its latest concept for all its worth following the release of yet another teaser image, bringing the total to four.

Along with this latest teaser comes yet another tagline, this time claiming ‘a new chapter in the history of Lamborghini’.

BMW X1 Concept first official images

October 1st, 2008 22 Comments

A tame concept usually means the designers are quite worried about how the new model will be received, this seems to be the case for the new BMW X1 Concept.

Due to make its world premiere at the Paris Auto Show, the X1 Concept previews a new soft-roader from BMW set to compete against the likes of the Toyota Rav-4 and Volkswagen Tiguan.