Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Renault unveiling Twin'Run concept in Monaco [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/renault-unveiling-twinrun-concept-in-monaco-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/renault-unveiling-twinrun-concept-in-monaco-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/renault-unveiling-twinrun-concept-in-monaco-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Renault Twin'Run concept - front three-quarter view

During last year's Monaco Formula One Grand Prix weekend, Renault introduced us to the Alpine A110-50. This year, it's another revival called Twin'Run - the follow up to the Twin'Z but not called TwinFun, as we previously thought - a smooth blue hatch to update all those yellowed memories of the Renault R5 Turbo and Clio V6. With the same footprint as the Twin'Z, this is the other side of the 'play' theme in Renault's six-stage exploration of the stages of life through concept cars.

The Twin'Z is admittedly a neat piece of work, but the Twin'Run one - and its murderous exhaust note - has our hot breath all over it. A steel, tubular chassis provides the structure. Within it, just ahead of the rear axle is a 3.5-liter V6 with 320 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, shifted through a six-speed sequential transmission. To keep its city-car proportions stable on 18-inch wheels, the fuel tank, radiator and hydraulic system are in the front, under the hood, resulting in a 43/57 front-to-rear weight balance.

The bodywork is a mix of glass fiber and carbon fiber, the squarish headlamps and supplemental quad headlamps a nod to the R5 Turbo rally car and its light rack for nighttime stages. Inside is lots of black and red Alcantara, a gauge cluster wrapped in white lacquer and aluminum pedals whose setup is said to be motorsports tested.

The whole package weighs 2,090 pounds, and you can read all about it in the press release below. There's also a very French short film to go with it that you know involves lots of models clad in lots of leather, and those vintage forbearers.

Continue reading Renault unveiling Twin'Run concept in Monaco [w/video]

Renault unveiling Twin'Run concept in Monaco [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 May 2013 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept carmonacomonaco grand prixrenaultrenault twinrunrenault twinztwinrunvideoFri, 24 May 2013 14:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20582767/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/renault-unveiling-twinrun-concept-in-monaco-w-video/20582767/article-detail.xml 20582767 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/renault-twinrun-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/renault-twinrun-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin teases "very special concept" to be unveiled May 19 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We knew Aston Martin was taking three cars to the Nürbrurgring 24-Hour race this weekend, they being a V12 Vantage GT3 car, the Rapide S Hybrid Hydrogen concept and a V12 Vantage N24 that is close to road-legal. We've just discovered that the automaker is bringing a fourth, a concept to be revealed on Sunday, May 19 that we know nothing about save that it will celebrate the company's centennary.

Based on the image above it looks like it will be a modern take on the Aston Martin racer from the late fifties that contested the World Sportscar Championship and won Le Mans, but we'll just have to wait until tomorrow to find out. There's a short video below, and a press release on its other 'Ring efforts this weekend, to tease you until then.

Continue reading Aston Martin teases "very special concept" to be unveiled May 19 [w/video]

Aston Martin teases "very special concept" to be unveiled May 19 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin rapideAston Martin Rapide S Hybrid Hydrogenaston martin v12 vantageconcept carNurburgringnurburgring 24videoyoutubeSat, 18 May 2013 17:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574729/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/20574729/article-detail.xml 20574729 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-concept-ring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-concept-ring.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept makes fast friends at Shanghai show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-shanghai-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-shanghai-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-shanghai-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Renault Alpin A110-50 Concept

Last year, Renault created the Alpine A110-50 Concept to mark the 50th anniversary of the original Renault A110, but we had to wait until this year's Shanghai Motor Show to see the stunning concept in person. First introduced in 1961, the A110 became a dominating force in the rally car circuit in the early 1970s, and the A110-50 Concept shows what a future version of the car could be - although there's still no official word if Renault plans to ever bring this car to production.

As a refresher, this concept pays homage to the classic A110 with its Alpine Blue paint job and hood-mounted foglights, but its wavy rear wing, scissor doors and curvaceous carbon fiber body are all modern cues. This concept gets its power from a mid-mounted 3.5-liter V6 producing 400 horsepower, which is controlled through a six-speed, dual-clutch gearbox. For more information on this concept (including a digital video of the car in motion) head on over to our previous post of the car from last year.

Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept makes fast friends at Shanghai show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 shanghai motor showconcept carrenaultrenault alpine a110-50renault alpine a110-50 conceptshanghaishanghai motor showSat, 20 Apr 2013 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546167/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-shanghai-2013/20546167/article-detail.xml 20546167 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renault-alpine-a10-50-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renault-alpine-a10-50-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Icona Vulcano teased again before Shanghai reveal [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/icona-vulcano-teased-again-before-shanghai-reveal-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/icona-vulcano-teased-again-before-shanghai-reveal-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/icona-vulcano-teased-again-before-shanghai-reveal-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



It used to be that New York marked the end of the auto show season, but after the Shanghai show has moved so as not to compete with NYC, we've settled in for a few more weeks of teasing. Here we have another glimpse of the Vulcano, the supercar created by Shanghai-based boutique carmaker Icona that we'll see revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show.

It's a fuller view of the back end than we glimpsed in the first teaser, covered in "Red Magma" paint. We're looking forward to finding out what that central hatch hides since the Vulcano's V12 engine - the work of Claudio Lombardi, whose resume includes powertrain engineering for World Rally Championship Lancias and the Formula One and GT Programs at Ferrari - is mounted in front. That engine is mated to electric motors and the whole shebang kicks out 900 horsepower.

The Vulcano is said to be an evolution of the all-electric Fuselage concept that Icona showed at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show. "Evolution" is a broad term, especially when we're going from a zero-emissions vehicle to a 900-horsepower hybrid sports car, but to at least check out where the company has been there's a video of the Fuselage below.

Continue reading Icona Vulcano teased again before Shanghai reveal [w/video]

Icona Vulcano teased again before Shanghai reveal [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept cariconaicona vulcanoShanghaishanghai 2013shanghai motor showvideoyoutubeMon, 15 Apr 2013 19:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540002/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/icona-vulcano-teased-again-before-shanghai-reveal-w-video/20540002/article-detail.xml 20540002 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/icona-vulcano-tease-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/icona-vulcano-tease-2.jpg <![CDATA[Lamborghini Pregunta Paris concept offered at $2.1M [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/lamborghini-pregunta-paris-concept-offered-at-2-1m-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/lamborghini-pregunta-paris-concept-offered-at-2-1m-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/lamborghini-pregunta-paris-concept-offered-at-2-1m-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Lamborghini Pregunta Concept

When the Lamborghini Veneno was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show, there were those who connected dots from it to the Lamborghini Pregunta concept from 1998, and also to the Pagani Zonda that arrived one year later. Near the end of the turmoil that was Lamborghini's ownership through the mid-nineties, an order was placed with the French Carrosserie Heuliez for a one-off concept car that was "new, original and impossible to confuse with any other car's shapes," that would be built on a Diablo chassis. The result was the Pregunta.

It was an aerospace-influenced supercar with carbon fiber bodywork, a 530-horsepower V12 and a claimed 207-mile-per-hour top speed. It employed rear-wheel drive instead of the Diablo's all-wheel drive, was coated in the same paint used on the French military's Dassault Rafale fighter jet and had fiber optic lighting, rear-view cameras and a GPS system. It was shown to the world at the 1998 Paris Motor Show, and again at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show.

Thought to be the last concept built on a Lamborghini body before Audi bought the company in 1998, AutoDrome, a French specialist in vintage exotics, has the Pregunta for sale for 1.6 million euros ($2.1M US). You can watch it hit the runway with a Rafale in the video below, then give AutoDrome a call if you're interested.

Continue reading Lamborghini Pregunta Paris concept offered at $2.1M [w/video]

Lamborghini Pregunta Paris concept offered at $2.1M [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autodromecarrosserie heuliezconcept carlamborghinilamborghini preguntavideoyoutubeSun, 14 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20539901/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/14/lamborghini-pregunta-paris-concept-offered-at-2-1m-w-video/20539901/article-detail.xml 20539901 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/lamborghini-pregunta-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/lamborghini-pregunta-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Twin'Z concept revealed, Twingo replacement takes shape [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/renault-twinz-concept-revealed-twingo-replacement-takes-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/renault-twinz-concept-revealed-twingo-replacement-takes-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/renault-twinz-concept-revealed-twingo-replacement-takes-shape/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Renault teamed with Welsh designer Ross Lovegrove, known for his works inspired by nature, on the Twin'Z concept. The supermini city car is the fifth in Renault's six-stage concept cycle modeled on human stages of life, after the DeZir (Love), Captur (Exploration), R-Space (Family) and Frendzy (Work). The Twin'Z is all about play and spaciousness, an all-electric powertrain allowing a unfettered cockpit and rear-wheel drive athletics.

Inspired by the heritage of the Renault 5 (which might also be returning in concept form) and the Twingo, it has been introduced at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano, the annual furniture design showcase in Italy. The Twin'Z brief is to conjoin "the world of furniture and the automobile." On top of Renault's bodwork design, Lovegrove and his associates detailed the bumpers, LED light patterns throughout, wheels and interior.

That cabin is probably the most striking aspect for there being so little to it. Instead of an instrument panel - and storage, it appears - there is a smartphone near the steering column that displays crucial data and a tablet on a pedestal between the front seats with supplemental diagnostics. Occupants sit on carbon fiber seats wrapped in a woven textile, those in the rear will find the seats emerge from the Twin'Z's bodyshell.

The boggling interior gets an equally interesting LED lightscape inside and out. Starting at the grille, twin-line lights give the Twin'Z a face before waving, curlicuing and climbing over the roof, on every interior surface and down the rear glass to the taillights. Even the wheels receive the illuminated due, a green hue mimicking "intelligent growth structures."

There's a huge gallery of the Twin'Z for your enjoyment, and a detailed press release below with lots of words to please your inner organic-inclined aesthete just below. As we saw with the Captur concept becoming the Captur production CUV, this little velveteen blue showcase could offer clues to the coming Twingo.

Continue reading Renault Twin'Z concept revealed, Twingo replacement takes shape [w/video]

Renault Twin'Z concept revealed, Twingo replacement takes shape [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptconcept carrenaultrenault twinzrenault twinz conceptross lovegroveTue, 09 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20534678/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/09/renault-twinz-concept-revealed-twingo-replacement-takes-shape/20534678/article-detail.xml 20534678 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renault-twinz_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renault-twinz.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan to bring Friend-Me concept to Shanghai]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/nissan-to-bring-friend-me-concept-to-shanghai/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/nissan-to-bring-friend-me-concept-to-shanghai/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/nissan-to-bring-friend-me-concept-to-shanghai/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Nissan's got a big ol' show planned for its immersive space at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show where visitors will see, touch, hear and smell the Nissan world. Sitting among 20 offerings that include the GT-R, Quest, Murano and Teana will be the Friend-Me concept (click image above to enlarge), the first show car created with "key input" by Chinese designers at Nissan Design China in Beijing. Its USP is "Four seats, one mind connectivity" that promotes information sharing among all the occupants.

The Friend-Me has the "vibrant, young" Chinese demographic in mind, our guess being Nissan thinks there's no reason to stop the digital sharing just because you're sitting in a car. We'll find out on April 20 exactly what's being exchanged in the Friend-Me. Until then, there's a press release below with a little more info.

Continue reading Nissan to bring Friend-Me concept to Shanghai

Nissan to bring Friend-Me concept to Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept carnissannissan friend-meshanghaishanghai 2013shanghai motor showMon, 01 Apr 2013 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20524264/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/nissan-to-bring-friend-me-concept-to-shanghai/20524264/article-detail.xml 20524264 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/nissanfriend-meconcept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/nissanfriend-meconcept.jpg <![CDATA[Ssangyong gets handsome with LIV-1 large SUV concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/ssangyong-gets-handsome-with-liv-1-large-suv-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/ssangyong-gets-handsome-with-liv-1-large-suv-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/ssangyong-gets-handsome-with-liv-1-large-suv-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Ssangyong has rolled another SUV out of the concept room and into the Seoul Motor Show called the LIV-1 - which stands for Limitless Interface Vehicle. The large four-wheel-drive machine is going into production according to Ssyangyong's CEO and will slot in between the Rodius and Rexton.

It will surely be toned down from the substantial, and substantially creased, SUV previewed in South Korea with its greenhouse full of glass and slivers for pillars. The "interface" portion of its name is backed up by five displays that include a 10-inch monitor in the center console, two seven-inch monitors in the headrests and a digital dash cluster with Special Sense that allows the driver to arrange the gauges as he sees fit.

Other tech touches include the nano-tube glassware that can remove frost quickly and the fact that the LIV-1 can be controlled remotely by a smart device and can "provide entertainment both within and from outside the vehicle," also via remote. The press release below can tell you more.

Continue reading Ssangyong gets handsome with LIV-1 large SUV concept

Ssangyong gets handsome with LIV-1 large SUV concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept carseoulseoul motor showssangyongssangyong liv-1Sun, 31 Mar 2013 08:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522864/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/31/ssangyong-gets-handsome-with-liv-1-large-suv-concept/20522864/article-detail.xml 20522864 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ssangyongliv-1concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ssangyongliv-1concept.jpg <![CDATA[Evidence of Renault 5 revival discovered during commercial shoot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Mystery Renault concept caught on camera phone - video screencap

Mystery Renault concept caught on camera phone - video screencapRenault has exceptional plans for this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, bringing six classic cars, four Formula One cars from this year's season and three current offerings. It will also be showing off two brand-new concepts, one of them gasoline-powered and another that's purely electric, and it's possible that the ICE concept has been spotted in Madrid on a video shoot. If so, it would be appear to be a fresh take on the Eighties-era Renault 5 that would look very nice next to the 1984 Renault 5 Maxi that will be at Goodwood.

Some Spaniards with camera phones caught a little blue Renault hatchback with a number "5" on its flanks and a giant wing hanging off the back. Renault has to have expected someone to catch it in photos, not because it was working with a camera truck but because it was doing donuts in an intersection and spitting out a murderous exhaust note. It might actually have nothing to do with the Goodwood concepts, but the coincidence of a classic Renault 5 showing up in England does provide a potential connection.

Elsewhere in the stand from July 11 to 14 Renault will have a 1920 Renault Type K, a 1926 Renault 40CV, the first turbocharged F1 car, the 1978 RS01, the Alpine that won Le Mans in 1978 and a Groupe 5 Alpine A310 rally car, Kimi Räikkönen's Australian F1 Grand Prix-winning Lotus E21, the Red Bull RB9, Caterham CT03 and Williams FW35. Among current offerings will be the Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC, Captur crossover and all-electric Zoe. Find out more about all of them in the two videos and the press release below.

Continue reading Evidence of Renault 5 revival discovered during commercial shoot

Evidence of Renault 5 revival discovered during commercial shoot originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept cargoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedmotorsportsrenaultrenault 5spy photosspy shotsFri, 29 Mar 2013 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522523/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/20522523/article-detail.xml 20522523 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renault5vid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renault5vid.jpg <![CDATA[Pininfarina to build handful of Sergio Roadster models?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/pininfarina-to-build-handful-of-sergio-roadster-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/pininfarina-to-build-handful-of-sergio-roadster-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/pininfarina-to-build-handful-of-sergio-roadster-models/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Pininfarina Sergio Roadster concept - live at Geneva Motor Show unveiling - front three-quarter view

At just about any other auto show, Pininfarina's Sergio Roadster would've been the uncontested showstopper - but at the Geneva Motor Show, where supercar reveals stack up like cordwood and there are plenty of coachbuilt classics-to-be, the Sergio was merely stunning.

But its beauty shouldn't be overlooked, and apparently it hasn't been - Pininfarina is seriously considering a very limited run of the roofless, windshield-free sports car. With just five or six examples in the possible production run, the Ferrari 458 Spider-based barchetta could fetch some three million euros. That's according to CEO Silvio Angori, who spoke with Automotive News Europe. At the time the Sergio was introduced, we had heard that Pininfarina was mulling production, but this is the first time we've had even rough numbers assigned to the car.

The Sergio's aesthetic success hinges quite a bit on the roll bar element, which also serves as a rear spoiler, and it's quite low, which could pose production challenges. If sold as designed, European law would mandate that helmets be worn whenever it's driven on public roads. Apparently, Pininfarina is aware that plutocrats tend to not want "helmet hair" when popping down to the shops or going out for dinner, so a small windshield could be added to make the car more palatable for actual road use.

Pininfarina to build handful of Sergio Roadster models? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italiaconcept carferrariferrari 458 italiaferrari 458 spidergenevageneva 2013geneva motor showpininfarinasergiosergio conceptMon, 18 Mar 2013 17:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507785/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/18/pininfarina-to-build-handful-of-sergio-roadster-models/20507785/article-detail.xml 20507785 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/pininfarina-sergio-concept-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/pininfarina-sergio-concept-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Alfa Romeo and IED ready Gloria concept for Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/alfa-romeo-and-ied-ready-gloria-concept-for-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/alfa-romeo-and-ied-ready-gloria-concept-for-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/alfa-romeo-and-ied-ready-gloria-concept-for-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Alfa Romeo IED Gloria concept - front three-quarter view

It just wouldn't be right for the Geneva Motor Show not to be stocked with exotic concept cars, so this new one from Alfa Romeo and design studio IED should fit right in. Known as the Gloria Concept, the sleek four-door is the result of twenty Master in Transportation Design students at IED, with guidance from Alfa's own Style Center.

Purely a design exercise, the Gloria Concept carries strong historical Alfa Romeo styling cues, neatly packaged within a slick, athletic body shape. The Italian company's traditional shield-shaped grille has been set prominently apart from the rest of the front end, and the leather straps near the windscreen are mean to evoke "memorable leather straps for the luggage compartments of the brand's historic cars." While chances are good that no actual engine will live under that shapely bonnet come show time, the designers have supposedly made room for a turbocharged V6 or V8 of some capacity.

We anticipate that the taut, curvaceous surfacing will look even more impressive in person, when we report in from the Geneva show next month. Until then, you can click on the image above for an expanded view of the Gloria Concept, or follow on below to browse the Alfa press release.

Continue reading Alfa Romeo and IED ready Gloria concept for Geneva

Alfa Romeo and IED ready Gloria concept for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoalfa romeo ied gloria conceptconcept careuropean institute of designgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showiedFri, 15 Feb 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20464274/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/15/alfa-romeo-and-ied-ready-gloria-concept-for-geneva/20464274/article-detail.xml 20464274 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/alfa-romeo-gloria-ied-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/alfa-romeo-gloria-ied-628.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën set to dance into Geneva with Technospace concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/citroen-set-to-dance-into-geneva-with-technospace-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/citroen-set-to-dance-into-geneva-with-technospace-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/citroen-set-to-dance-into-geneva-with-technospace-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



You might not know it, Yank, but French automaker Citroën has paid its bills for years by building and selling a slew of popular, smallish MPVs (what you and I call Minivans). The company has belted out a four-model strong range of the things bearing the Picasso moniker, each ranging slightly in size, layout and function. Citroën reports selling nearly three million Picassos since the model's launch in 1999.

Starting down the path of what would seem to be either a new Picasso or a replacement for it, is this Technospace Concept, which is slated to make a grand entrance at the Geneva Motor Show. The Technospace will be loaded to the gills with MPV goodness, including a massive 12-inch panoramic high-definition screen. It will also be efficient, lightweight and clean, at least according to Citroën's claims in the press release below.

Take a gander at the French familymobile in the attached gallery, and expect a few more bits and bites about the Technospace Concept, when we land in Geneva next month.

Continue reading Citroën set to dance into Geneva with Technospace concept

Citroën set to dance into Geneva with Technospace concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Feb 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citoren picassocitroen technospace conceptconcept cargeneva motor showtechnospaceSun, 10 Feb 2013 09:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20454758/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/10/citroen-set-to-dance-into-geneva-with-technospace-concept/20454758/article-detail.xml 20454758 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/000-citroen-technospace-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/000-citroen-technospace-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Kia Cross GT concept gives glimpse of future premium CUV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/07/kia-cross-gt-concept-gives-glimpse-of-future-premium-cuv/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/07/kia-cross-gt-concept-gives-glimpse-of-future-premium-cuv/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/07/kia-cross-gt-concept-gives-glimpse-of-future-premium-cuv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Kia is looking to bolster its premium-car lineup beyond newly conceived products like the Cadenza and Quoris. Perhaps the best evidence of this initiative, to date, is the Cross GT Concept that has just been unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show. Showing a larger, more premium crossover to slot in above the Sorento, the Cross GT Concept hints at a future product that could be what the ill-fated, body-on-frame Borrego never had a chance to be.

Compared to the current Sorento, the Cross GT Concept is 8.4-inches longer, 4.9-inches wider and rides on a wheelbase that is increased by 15.7 inches, and it shows a new possible styling direction for Kia as the automaker continues to attempt to venture up market. Some of the upscale styling cues include the clamshell hood. upright front end with signature Kia tiger nose grille and the multi-panel panoramic roof. The true luxury of the Cross GT is apparent inside where Kia has used real wood trim and rich leather on the seats, and there's also the buttonless, touch-screen infotainment system; rear occupants will have flat screen monitors with Internet access.

Based on a chassis shared with the rear-wheel drive GT Concept, which we first saw at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the fullsize Cross GT crossover is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 paired to Kia's hybrid system that gives the luxury crossover a combined output of 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, as well as an all-electric driving range of 20 miles. The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which helps send power to the wheels through an advanced, torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system

Although the Cross GT is just a concept for now, we could easily see some of these features and technologies appear on future Kia production cars. Scroll down for the full press release on Kia's latest luxury model.

Continue reading Kia Cross GT concept gives glimpse of future premium CUV

Kia Cross GT concept gives glimpse of future premium CUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagochicago 2013chicago auto showconcept carcross gt conceptkiakia cross gt conceptThu, 07 Feb 2013 10:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20450810/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/07/kia-cross-gt-concept-gives-glimpse-of-future-premium-cuv/20450810/article-detail.xml 20450810 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/cross-gt628-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/cross-gt628-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Honda Urban SUV concept previews Fit-based crossover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/honda-urban-suv-concept-detroit-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/honda-urban-suv-concept-detroit-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/honda-urban-suv-concept-detroit-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



We've been hearing a lot of rumblings this year about a new crossover based on the Honda Fit, and now we finally get to see what this B-segment CUV might look like. Called the Urban SUV Concept, Honda's new small crossover has made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, but we'll have to wait until 2014 to see the production version on sale in the US. Honda says the production version of this concept, whatever it will be called, will slot below the CR-V in terms of size and price.

In terms of this concept's styling, there is plenty of the new Honda Accord in its face, and it looks like a more rugged version of the Nissan Juke, as well as a more practical alternative to the Hyundai Veloster. With its short overhangs, the concept measures 169.3 inches in length, making it about eight inches longer than a Fit hatchback and nine inches shorter than the CR-V. Honda confirmed that its new crossover will debut a telematics system for Honda, and it will use one of Honda's new Earth Dreams engines; we previously reported that this engine would be a 1.5-liter I4 paired with a continuously variable transmission.

The next-generation Fit is expected to debut before this new crossover model, and both models will be built at Honda's Celaya, Mexico assembly plant, which is scheduled to open early next year. A new sedan is also expected to round out the lineup of Fit-based products. For more information about this new Urban SUV Concept, scroll down for Honda's official press release.

Continue reading Honda Urban SUV concept previews Fit-based crossover

Honda Urban SUV concept previews Fit-based crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 detroit auto show2013 honda urban suv conceptconcept cardetroitdetroit 2013fitfit-based crossoverhondahonda celaya assembly planthonda urban suv conceptMon, 14 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20427109/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/14/honda-urban-suv-concept-detroit-2013/20427109/article-detail.xml 20427109 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/honda-urban-suv-concept-5-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/honda-urban-suv-concept-5-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept takes a sleek look at the future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/hyundai-hcd-14-genesis-concept-detroit-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/hyundai-hcd-14-genesis-concept-detroit-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/hyundai-hcd-14-genesis-concept-detroit-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



After seeing the promising lines of Hyundai's latest concept car last week in a shadowy teased rendering, we now have a better idea about what this sleek concept is all about. The 2013 Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept received its official debut today at the Detroit Auto Show, and it's expected to be a pretty good indication of the styling direction for the next-generation Genesis sedan, although not quite the real deal.

Comparing this concept to spy shots of a Genesis prototype captured early last month, we can see that many elements of the HCD-14 will be incorporated into the newest Hyundai luxury sedan. As is the case with any concept car, the oversized carbon fiber wheels and suicide rear doors will certainly not be making it to the production model, but it will be interesting to see if the next-generation sedan has some of this car's styling cues like the hard-edged body creases along the side of the car, the coupe-like roofline running all the way to the rear of the car leaving no true decklid, or even the fine details like the "Genesis" etched into the headlights.

In addition to the styling of the car, there are plenty of new features being introduced on the concept that may be intended for the final product. This includes cabin technology features like a head-up display, hand-gesture recognition, and even a system that is able to track a driver's eyes to select options in various vehicle functions such as audio or climate controls. There also luxury appointments like the real milled wood accents and the iPad storage station. Hyundai is also promising improved driving dynamics with a more rigid chassis, new driver-selectable settings for various driving conditions and, of course, carrying over the 5.0-liter direct-injected V8 paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Continue reading Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept takes a sleek look at the future

Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept takes a sleek look at the future originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 detroit auto show2013 hyundai hcd-14 concept2013 hyundai hcd-14 genesis conceptconcept cardetroitdetroit 2013hcd-14hcd-14 concepthyundaihyundai concept carMon, 14 Jan 2013 12:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20423078/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/14/hyundai-hcd-14-genesis-concept-detroit-2013/20423078/article-detail.xml 20423078 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hyundai-hcd-14-concept-628-1358198304_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hyundai-hcd-14-concept-628-1358198304.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan teases Resonance Concept, possible Murano successor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/nissan-teases-resonance-concept-possible-murano-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/nissan-teases-resonance-concept-possible-murano-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/nissan-teases-resonance-concept-possible-murano-successor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Not wanting to be left out of the teaser fun that comes before the Detroit Auto Show - don't forget amidst all this obscured-view hubbub that the actual show starts next week Monday - Nissan has deposited this partial image of what it is calling the Resonance Concept on its Facebook page. Save for letting us know that the real deal will be unveiled on January 15, no information has been given in concert with the mysterious picture.

Given the distinctly crossover-esque shape of the rendered vehicle, it's a pretty good guess that the Resonance will preview the design direction for either a new Murano or Rogue, with our money being on the former. Expect the concept to feature a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain, and some truly impressive LED real estate on its backside. Much more info to come next week - live from the floor of Cobo.

Nissan teases Resonance Concept, possible Murano successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 detroit auto showconcept carcrossovercuvdetroitdetroit 2013muranonissan resonance conceptresonance conceptrogueteaserThu, 10 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20425319/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/10/nissan-teases-resonance-concept-possible-murano-successor/20425319/article-detail.xml 20425319 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/nissan-resonance-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/nissan-resonance-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ugur Sahin returns with Rolls Royce Jonckheere Aerodynamic Coupe II design]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/ugur-sahin-returns-with-rolls-royce-jonckheere-aerodynamic-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/ugur-sahin-returns-with-rolls-royce-jonckheere-aerodynamic-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/ugur-sahin-returns-with-rolls-royce-jonckheere-aerodynamic-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The "Round Door" Rolls-Royce Phantom I Aerodynamic Coupe (inset) is a magnificent black beast of a car (and you can see it at the Petersen Automotive Museum for a limited time) as well as a mystery: designed by the Jonckheere Works in Belgium in 1935, all records for the one-of-a-kind coupe were destroyed in World War II, so no one knows who designed it or who commissioned it. What remains of the original coachbuilding company now makes bodies for cars and buses, and has asked designer Ugur Sahin to reinterpret the most fabulous car from its history.

We've written about Sahin often before, recently about his Corvette-based Anandi being shown at Top Marques Monaco and going into production. For a man who favors long hoods and short bodies, this particular Rolls-Royce couldn't be better. Sahin says the word "Respect" guided his lines for the 77-year-old car, the most apparent changes being the front fender treatment, the headlights dropping into the fenders, and the serious downsizing of the fin at the rear. Sahin says that there are talks with potential investors about building a one-off.

You can find out a little more about it in the press release below, and check out the gallery above of high-res images for every angle.

Continue reading Ugur Sahin returns with Rolls Royce Jonckheere Aerodynamic Coupe II design

Ugur Sahin returns with Rolls Royce Jonckheere Aerodynamic Coupe II design originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept carjonckheererolls-royceRolls-Royce Phantom I Aerodynamic CoupeUgur SahinUgur Sahin Designvdl jonckheereSat, 15 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20402873/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/15/ugur-sahin-returns-with-rolls-royce-jonckheere-aerodynamic-coupe/20402873/article-detail.xml 20402873 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ugurrollsconcept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ugurrollsconcept.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force concept is a G-Class for the future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/mercedes-benz-ener-g-force-concept-is-a-g-class-for-the-future/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/mercedes-benz-ener-g-force-concept-is-a-g-class-for-the-future/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/mercedes-benz-ener-g-force-concept-is-a-g-class-for-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Looking to create an entrant for this year's LA Design Challenge, Mercedes-Benz came up with the Ener-G-Force to fit the theme of Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025. Mercedes-Benz says that the styling of the Ener-G-Force builds on many cues from the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and like the original G-Wagen introduced in 1979 as a civilian version of a military vehicle, it didn't take much imagination to envision a civilian version of the Ener-G-Force. Of course, it wouldn't be a futuristic concept vehicle without some sort of advanced powertrain, and the concept unveiled today delivers on this front as well.

From a design standpoint, the Ener-G-Force infuses many elements seen on the G-Class but with a much more modern interpretation giving it a new, yet recognizable appearance. These cues include the sunk-in headlights, turn signals/running lights mounted atop the front fenders, the long, flat roofline and the low, rectangular taillights, but the Ener-G-Force ditches the G-Class' boxy lines in favor of a more rounded shape.

One of the interesting elements of the concept is the roof rack. While it looks like a cargo rack that could be used for a safari, it is actually a way for the vehicle to collect water to store in tanks to then be transferred to a converter that creates hydrogen to power the fuel cells. The batteries for this system are built into the rocker panels, and the hypothetical range for this conceptual system is 500 miles of zero-emission driving. For off-roading purposes, the system uses four independent motors at each wheel and a roof-mounted scanner that adjusts the suspension to best fit the road conditions and terrain.

The Ener-G-Force was one of six entrants for the 2012 LA Design Challenge, and the winning design will be announced on November 29 as a part of the LA Auto Show. Scroll down to read more about the Ener-G-Force in a press release from Mercedes-Benz.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force concept is a G-Class for the future

Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force concept is a G-Class for the future originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 la auto showconcept carener-g-Forceg-classgeländewagenhydrogen fuel celllala auto showla design challenge 2012mercedes-benzFri, 16 Nov 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20381368/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/16/mercedes-benz-ener-g-force-concept-is-a-g-class-for-the-future/20381368/article-detail.xml 20381368 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/001-mercedes-benz-ener-g-force-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/001-mercedes-benz-ener-g-force-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Bisimoto Hyundai Elantra GT Concept makes monster power for a family hatch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/bisimoto-hyundai-elantra-gt-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/bisimoto-hyundai-elantra-gt-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/bisimoto-hyundai-elantra-gt-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bisimoto Hyundai Elantra GT Concept

When Bisimoto took on the challenge of tuning the rather pedestrian Hyundai Elantra GT into a proper performance vehicle for SEMA, it took no half-measures. Rather than simply dropping in a turbocharger and bumping up output by 50 horsepower or so, the tuning house completely revamped the engine, added forced induction and fed the thing a bottle full of methanol. The result is a 600-horsepower car that has a singular appearance package to match its utterly jaw-dropping performance.

Take a good look at the madness that Bisimoto has wrought with this particular Elantra GT in our gallery of live images.

Bisimoto Hyundai Elantra GT Concept makes monster power for a family hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 hyundai elantrabisimotoconcept carsemasema 2012Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366969/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/31/bisimoto-hyundai-elantra-gt-sema-2012/20366969/article-detail.xml 20366969 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/bisimoto-hyundai-elantra-gt-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/bisimoto-hyundai-elantra-gt-sema.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Malibu Turbo Performance Concept is hotted up for your eyes only]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/chevy-malibu-turbo-performance-concept-is-hotted-up-for-your-eye/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/chevy-malibu-turbo-performance-concept-is-hotted-up-for-your-eye/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/chevy-malibu-turbo-performance-concept-is-hotted-up-for-your-eye/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevy Malibu Turbo Performance Concept live at SEMA

One of the greatest aspects of the SEMA show is the freedom it gives automakers and tuners to play around a little. Where other shows' bread and butter are more serious conceptual pieces or production-bound unveils, cars at SEMA are very often flights of fancy that are really only intended to bring some excitement to a model or brand.

Case in point is Chevrolet's Malibu Turbo Performance Concept, which, while not offering added performance over the standard 2.0 turbo's 259 horsepower, does look a lot more interesting than the standard model. A super-aggressive ground effects package, concept-specific blue paint, unique badges, dashes of red accent work and a lot of what's called "black-ice tinted chrome" all help to make this a Malibu that you won't forget.

Check out our live Chevrolet gallery here, and dare to dream big.

Chevy Malibu Turbo Performance Concept is hotted up for your eyes only originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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