Autoblog

Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Europe, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows, Police/Emergency, Design/Style, Diesel

AC Schnitzer BMW 123d Tune It Safe! police concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

High performance vehicles like Porsche 911s being used for pursuit duty on Germany's autobahn is nothing new. As such, in order order to grab the attention of Essen Motor Show attendees, the Tune It Safe! program's annual police-liveried show car needs to go a step further. Past efforts have included rides such as a police-liveried Brabus Rocket and a TechArt-prepared Porsche 911. This year, AC Schnitzer got the call and it has unwrapped (or perhaps wrapped is the better term, given the side graphics) a police car concept based on the BMW 123d coupe.

Naturally, Schnitzer couldn't leave the stock, 40 mpg 204-horsepower twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel alone, and so it has boosted the show car's engine to 241 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. They've also applied an array of their appearance upgrades including a front splitter, rear spoiler, and a bigger wheel/tire package. The body has been dropped 30 millimeters, which should help compensate a bit for the extra drag of the light bar on the roof. Inside, racing seats and carbon fiber trim are accompanied by a cover for the iDrive knob that matches the wheel design.

We'll pass on the light bar and the graphics, but take the rest of the car, please. Not sure about it yourself? Take a look at the high-res gallery below and a video available after the jump.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer BMW 123d police package

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Continue reading Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]

Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Alto Concept tries to be a cooler kei

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback

Suzuki Alto Concept -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Suzuki Alto concept is The Kei You Would Never Suspect: unassuming looks belie the fact that this is car Suzuki is going to use to reach a wider audience. The exterior - which, frankly, looks like a ton of other itty bitty already plying on Japan's streets -- has been subtly tweaked to subtly lure in male and female buyers in a wider age group than the current car attracts.

According to the company, the Alto concept "points to the future of the minivehicle by combining newly honed performance with minivehicle economy and user-friendliness," with "styling that appeals to people regardless of age and gender."

Although officially labeled as a concept, the three-cylinder Alto is expected on the roads next year and an all-wheel-drive version is also on the way. Decide on the Alto for yourself with the help of the high-res gallery below and the press release after the break.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Alto Concept

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Alto Concept tries to be a cooler kei

Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Alto Concept tries to be a cooler kei originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:11:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi has put its plug-in hybrid Concept PX-MiEV crossover concept on a pedestal here at the Tokyo Motor Show, touting the CUV's "environmental and on-road performance," as well as its serial and parallel modes and wireless charging capabilities.

The crossover's design language represents another refinement for Mitsubishi, and although it's markedly less provocative than the newly re-shnozzed 2010 Outlander, it presents a pleasing collection of shapes and could point the way for a future iteration of the softroader. Inside is typical concept car fare for "linking man and car interactively" - which means it's far too cool for us to actually get on the road - but hey, where else are you going to find a cocochi interior with a yoke-style steering wheel?

The real story here is arguably the drivetrain, where Mitsu has combined a 1.6-liter gas engine and a hybrid system with lithium-ion batteries.

In any case, you can check out the PR info after the jump, and visuals in the gallery of high-res images below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face

Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Big Mac: British design student pens McLaren F1 successor

Noah Joseph — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Design/Style

McLaren LM5 design study by Matt Williams - Click above for image gallery

Since hiring Frank Stephenson as its styling chief last year, the nascent McLaren Automotive hasn't been lacking for design talent. But the general consensus over his first design at Woking seems to be that the MP4-12C is missing a touch of originality to set it apart from other supercars. Enter one Matt Williams, a recent graduate of the transportation design program at England's Coventry University who thinks he can do a better job with the study you see here.

Positioned above the MP4-12C in McLaren's product porfolio, the LM5 concept is envisioned as a successor to the venerable McLaren F1. That means three seats across, with a central driving position. That means power provided by BMW's M division; a retuned version of company's soon-to-be-retired 5.0-liter V10 in this case. And of course, that means epic performance. Unfortunately, it's just a concept car, extant only in the clay and CAD. So for now, we'll just have to sit and wait to see what Stephenson and his colleagues at McLaren cook up next, admiring the images in the gallery below in the meantime.

Gallery: McLaren LM5 design study by Matt Williams

[Source: Diseno-art.com]

The Big Mac: British design student pens McLaren F1 successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Honda EV-N concept is retro-adorable, has unicycle storage

Alex Nunez — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:18:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda, Electric

Honda EV-N Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the curtain rises on the Tokyo Motor Show next month, Honda's green-themed display will include what it calls the HELLO! Zone, a showcase for electric vehicles. Why "HELLO! Zone"? Well, we have no idea, other than it reminds us of a certain feline and that the Japanese clearly have a thing for all-caps names and exclamation points. In the HELLO! Zone, showgoers can say, uh, "hello" to the excruciatingly neat, relentlessly cute EV-N concept. It's a retro-styled battery-powered car with a face of a pug puppy crossed with a Trabant and nifty concept-y features like swappable seat fabrics, a solar roof, and a "communications system" embedded in the black front fascia. Most importantly, however, the EV-N's passenger door contains one of those bizarrely kickass UX-3 super gyroscopic robot unicycles, which pretty much makes the EV-N the coolest electric car of all time. We think. Anyhow, when Honda unveils an ASIMO that can both drive the EV-N and then self-deploy on the UX-3, it's time to go hide under your beds, because that'll be the signal that their robot army is ready for world domination. But we digress. Check out the high-res pics of the EV-N in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Honda EV-N Concept

[Source: Honda]

Tokyo Preview: Honda EV-N concept is retro-adorable, has unicycle storage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Want to take the Audi e-tron for a test drive? Grab your Playstation 3

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Audi, Toys/Games, Electric

You might expect a car with four motors and 3,319 lb-ft of torque to take a great deal of electronics and skill with the right foot to drive properly. If so, you got the electronics part right at least: Audi has created a virtual world for its e-tron electric car that will be featured in Playstation Home later this year.

The action takes place in Audi Space, the digital realm that Audi has built inside the Playstation Home online community. The car is featured in the Vertical Run driving game, featuring a track with enough dimensions to impress Speed Racer. The point of the game is to gather enough electrical energy to get the highest top speed, and if you're one of the best, you'll get one of the skyscraper apartments in Audi town.

It will probably be the closest anyone will get to driving an e-tron for years -- if ever -- so if you're an Audi-phile who's been looking for a reason to buy a PS3, here's your card. For the full scoop, check out the press release after the jump, and you can see the car again in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Audi e-tron concept

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Want to take the Audi e-tron for a test drive? Grab your Playstation 3

Want to take the Audi e-tron for a test drive? Grab your Playstation 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Seat IBZ concept makes us say "Hazlo, por favor!"

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Wagon, SEAT

Seat IBZ concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Seat loves to present its concepts in a lapis-like blue with deep cream interior coloring. It's usually a very good start, and the IBZ concept adds an Alfa-worthy beauty to what might otherwise be an ordinary wagon. Number three in the Ibiza lineup, the concept takes the Ibiza hatch platform and adds more interior room while keeping the virtually the same exterior dimensions.

The IBZ will be put into production as soon as January of next year. Of course the more wily elements, like the headlights, will go the way of the moa. Yet based on the preview and Seat's impressive record of translating concepts to reality, we say it's too bad we won't see it...

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Seat IBZ concept

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Seat IBZ concept makes us say "Hazlo, por favor!"

Frankfurt 2009: Seat IBZ concept makes us say "Hazlo, por favor!" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Mercedes-Benz S500 Vision Plug-in Hybrid broods quietly

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz S500 Vision Plug-In Hybrid - Click above for a high-res gallery

Mercedes is working to complete the circle, combining the frugality of its smallest A- and B-Class offerings with the luxury of its S-Class offerings. For the U.S. the S400 Hybrid began the earnest trek down that road, followed by the announcement of the four-cylinder S-Class, and at Frankfurt, Mercedes has introduced the S500 Vision Plug-in Hybrid concept. The home of the pointed star sees it as putting "the luxury class on the road to the three-liter car."

The S500 Vision Plug-in uses the same basic components as the S400 Hybrid: a 3.5-liter V6 mated to a battery. The larger capacity lithium-ion cell with an additional internal clutch is moved to the S500's trunk and is said to be good for 30 km (19.2 miles) of electric-only driving. Daimler CEO Zetsche admits there's a long way to go before the car goes on sale, but for now it promises a 5.5-second 0-to-60 and 3.2 liters-100 km. The new luxury will still stink of money, and of fresh air as well...

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Mercedes-Benz S500 Vision Plug-In Hybrid

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Mercedes-Benz S500 Vision Plug-in Hybrid broods quietly

Frankfurt 2009: Mercedes-Benz S500 Vision Plug-in Hybrid broods quietly originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Audi e-tron is red outside, nice inside

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Electric, Luxury

Audi e-tron concept -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Audi e-tron concept has a few good things going for it on the outside, like lustrous red paint, some wicked cool taillights, and... well... maybe something else that's escaped us. Sadly, those things are overcome by the chrome baleen job for the front and rear grilles, the too-tricky-by-half headlights, the remnant lines of a blade, and... those... wheels... which look like they were designed by Schick. Inside it's much nicer, with a heart-thumpingly curvy design and a thing-of-beauty center console. Although the steering wheel gives us a hint of pause, the angled gauges make us happy. If Audi can actually get that leviathan powertrain sorted out for production (again, 3,319 lb-ft of torque?!), all would be forgiven. In the meantime, try and enjoy it in the gallery below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Audi e-tron concept

Frankfurt 2009: Audi e-tron is red outside, nice inside originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spanish designer's Honda RA-X concept has us intrigued

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Honda

Honda RA-X Concept by Xuacu Perez -- Click above for high-res image gallery

With the S2000 going, going, gone and sports car fans left to wait until the CR-Z arrives, some car designers have taken to creating Honda sports cars on their own. This effort is from Spaniard Xuacu Perez, who wanted to design a modern Honda that spoke to the company's Formula 1 cars from the sixties.

It's called the RA-X, the first two letters pulled from Honda's F1 nomenclature, with a direct tie being the exhaust outlets, which mimic those on the RA300 from 1967. Quite compact at just 13.3 feet long, 3.8 feet high, and 6.4 feet wide (4050 mm / 1163 mm / 1940 mm), theoretical power could be in excess of 350 hp from the mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout.

The X in the name comes from the cross formed by the side's design elements. It's all kinds of edges and smooth bits all mixed together, with a rear end that reminds us of a slightly softer Zenvo ST1... which gets us to wondering what a small, nimble, Zenvo-by-Honda could be... And that's reason alone to justify the RA-X's existence. Hat tip to LoboSylva

Gallery: Honda RA-X Student Concept

[Source: Xuacu Designs]

Spanish designer's Honda RA-X concept has us intrigued originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Respect Your Elders: Suzuki's Kizashi concepts spotted stacked and awaiting crusher?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Japan, Suzuki

Old concepts don't die, they just get thrown in a heap and stacked atop one another in some dank lot out back. Actually, we don't know where the lot is located, but we do know it appears to be holding the Suzuki Kizashi, Kizashi 2, and Kizashi 3 - important concepts that the Japanese automaker unveiled over the past two years.

We hope these aren't the final show car versions. If so, we would have thought that the car that led to the production Kizashi - a big deal for Suzuki - would have been accorded a better spot in the afterlife, like maybe a place in a museum. Or, hell, at least an auction house listing. But that's the great circle of life for you. Tip your 40 to the Kizashis that once were...

Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept - Live Reveal

[Source: 7Tune | Image: New Model Magazine X]

Respect Your Elders: Suzuki's Kizashi concepts spotted stacked and awaiting crusher? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super(light) Hero - Mazda bringing bantamweight MX-5 Miata concept to Frankfurt [UPDATED]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Mazda

Mazda MX-5 Miata Superlight Concept -- Click above for high-res image gallery

A few days ago, Mazda announced a special-edition MX-5 Miata in Crystal White Pearl Mica to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the car that restored the roadster. They should have been making a splash about this car instead, a concept MX-5 Superlight speedster that is due in Frankfurt next month.

Mazda has only let a couple of beans spill about the car: it's extra light weight improves handling, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions. That's all we know. But we can guess that a Miata that's missing a windshield, door handles, roof, and any interior comforts beyond seats would be a racer's dream.

Oh, but do notice that while there's no radio or speakers, the car does include a curved center console that supports the increasingly common iPhone. We'll be at Frankfurt next month making a beeline for this one. In the meantime, you can check out the images below or check out the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Mazda Superlight Concept

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Super(light) Hero - Mazda bringing bantamweight MX-5 Miata concept to Frankfurt [UPDATED]

Super(light) Hero - Mazda bringing bantamweight MX-5 Miata concept to Frankfurt [UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mystery concept caught in Spain

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Budget, Europe, Hatchback

Mystery concept car in Barcelona -- Click above for image gallery

Autoblog Quiz of the Day: the minicar pictured above was spotted in Barcelona, Spain at Central del Poblenou Park, during what sounds like a photo or commercial shoot. Two people were caught driving it, the one in the sky blue outfit and hat looks to be a model/actress. The car, devoid of any logos or identifying marks, was accompanied by several trucks with French license plates - along with about ten people who didn't appreciate the person taking photos. Can anyone help us solve the mystery? Check out the image gallery below, and leave your guessses in 'Comments.'

Gallery: Mystery Concept Car in Barcelona

[Source: Autoblog Spanish (translated) | Photo credit: X15A]

Spy Shots: Mystery concept caught in Spain originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2012 Jaguar sports car to get Volt-like extended-range hybrid tech?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Jaguar

Ratan Tata, Jaguar's owner, knows that the future of the company rests on "shiny and new" products. That's why the XE roadster was reportedly moved to the front of the line and given a 2011 release date. If the soothsayers at Motor Trend are correct, Tata also understands that cleaner engines are the future of the industry itself, because the XE could also bolster Jaguar's credentials by reportedly including the option of a Volt-like range-extending hybrid drivetrain.

The mooted gas-electric system is a conventional three-cylinder gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. It is also being suggested by MT that the concept XE may be fitted with that powerplant, but it might not make it to the production version.

If it does come to market, however, the car probably won't have any natural competition at its price point given its green credentials, with the possible exception of the Fisker Karma S. Even if the extended-range hybrid rumor fails to materialize, the coupe is likely to get variants of the company's new 5.0-liter V8 engine range, which presently offers up to 510-horsepower in supercharged form...

[Source: Motor Trend]

Rumormill: 2012 Jaguar sports car to get Volt-like extended-range hybrid tech? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai 2009: Guangzhou Honda Linian roadster concept is messing with our S2000-loving heads

Chris Paukert — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Honda, Shanghai Motor Show

Guangzhou Honda Linian roadster concept - Click on the image above for a gallery

Guangzhou Honda surprised everyone at the Shanghai show with this tidy little roadster, its second Linian concept in as many years. While the 2008 Beijing show concept was a more pedestrian five-door, this two-seat droptop has us wishing for a proper S2000 successor.

Oh, one can quibble over some of the design details (oversized grille element, the showcar-only airplane yoke-style steering wheel, etc.), but fundamentally this is an interesting package.

Sadly, according to our compatriots at Autoblog Simplified Chinese, Honda's domestic partner was mum on specifics, including driveline configuration, powerplant, and so on. That said, the shape does look quite production friendly. Add in a stronger windshield header, some larger mirrors, and do away with that Knight Rider steering wheel, and the rest seems plausible enough.

Rest assured, we are angling for more information on this car as we speak, but for now, enjoy the possibilities... and the gallery below.

Gallery: guangben linian coupe

Photos copyright (C) 2009 IceBin / Weblogs, Inc
[Source: Autoblog Simplified Chinese]

Shanghai 2009: Guangzhou Honda Linian roadster concept is messing with our S2000-loving heads originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai 2009: Geely IG Fantastic Concept makes us go "Awwww...."

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, China, Hatchback, Shanghai Motor Show

Geely IG Fantastic Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

If a local Chinese automaker wants to challenge the Smart, then they should do it with something like this, the Geely IG Fantastic (and not this, the Shuanghuan Bubble). It's kooky, and the headlights almost meet the taillights, but most importantly it's original. It also looks to be a three-seater with the driver sitting front and center, flanked by two seats behind. And there's only one door, on the passenger's side. Nifty, and we give it three cheers for Geely. Check it out in the gallery of photos below.

Gallery: Shanghai 2009: Geely IG Fantastic Concept

[Source: China Car Times]

Shanghai 2009: Geely IG Fantastic Concept makes us go "Awwww...." originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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China's Great Wall readying high-riding four-door coupe?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, China, Misc. Auto Shows

Great Wall CHC011 - Click above for a gallery of images

The tagline for Great Wall Motor Corporation of China is "Driving your colorful life!" Well, the makers of the Sailor, Safe, Sing, Socool, Deer, and Florid vehicles has another one in the pipeline, but this one is not so pithily named: the CHC011. It looks like it started off as a Mercedes CLS clone but then got lifted and slapped with bits left over from the new Star Trek movie. This one could also be a concept car since the side mirrors are little more than slivers of metal. If that's the case, look out for it at the Shanghai Auto Show. And we do mean, look out...

Gallery: Great Wall Motors CHC011

[Source: Sina via The Tycho]

China's Great Wall readying high-riding four-door coupe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1995 Lincoln Sentinel Concept

Dan Roth — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Auctions, Lincoln

1995 Lincoln Sentinel Concept - Click above for image gallery

Looking like a 1961 Continental reimagined thirty years on, the Lincoln Sentinel concept caused quite a stir on the show circuit back in the mid-'90s.

Eventually, the not-quite-a-runner sedan somehow wound up in Hardeeville, South Carolina, where a dealer is now looking to unload it for $80,000. O.C. Welch Ford Lincoln-Mercury has apparently held the vehicle in its private collection, and while it's nothing more than a non-functional showpiece, there are possibilities. It would at least be a conversation piece, but one also pictures the bodywork picked up and laid atop a Panther chassis to make the best looking Town Car in ages. $80k is kind of steep for something that even lacks functioning doors (it has a half-interior beneath the smoked glass), but this was a fairly significant showcar at the time, and even now, it arguably has far more presence than anything in the Ford Motor Company's premium portfolio. Thanks for the tip, Clint!

Gallery: Sentinel Auction

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 1995 Lincoln Sentinel Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai Preview: Geely Tiger GT concept back with full interior and butterfly doors!

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, China, Misc. Auto Shows

Geely GT concept - Click above for a gallery

Last year, among 20 other Geely concepts, it was the Geely GT that stole the Beijing Auto Show. An original Chinese-designed coupe, it was over-the-top everywhere, but in a way that some felt came together very nicely. This year, it could be the Geely GT that steals the Shanghai Auto Salon - even over this car.

The next evolution of the GT ("Geely Tiger," which, yes, means it's the "Geely Geely Tiger") has butterfly doors, and "90% of the engineering problems" have been solved. Judging by the way Geely is talking and the way the car looks inside-and-out, the Chinese automaker is probably looking at a production run of this beastie, provided it gets enough positive feedback.

Gallery: Beijing 2009: Geely GT Concept

Gallery: Geely Tiger GT Concept

[Source: Carscoop]

Shanghai Preview: Geely Tiger GT concept back with full interior and butterfly doors! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: Hyundai concept caught on the street ahead of NY debut

Alex Nunez — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, Hatchback, Hyundai

Hyundai's Mystery New York concept car - Click above for a high-res gallery

Hyundai's got a concept hatch in store for New York, and Autoblog reader Aaron spotted it on the street and was kind enough to snap a few photos for us.

We have no details on the car itself yet, but as you can see, it's a hatchback/crossover type-thing whose styling is in keeping with the more dramatic design language that the company's show cars have been using of late. Giant gullwing doors ought to give everyone a nice, clear view of the interior, which we suspect will be of a similarly eye-popping nature.

We'll get more details as soon as we can - likely in the next couple of days in the ramp-up to the concept's New York Auto Show debut. For now, feast your eyes on the three photos in the gallery below. Thanks, Aaron! Nice catch.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Hyundai mystery NY concept

Reader Spy: Hyundai concept caught on the street ahead of NY debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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