Autoblog

IED students imagine a pod-shaped BMW in 2015

Michael Harley — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:27:00 EST

Click above image for more IED concepts in high-res

While we certainly don't expect BMW to make such drastic design changes to its lineup within this decade, third-year students at the Turin-based IED (istituto Europeo di Design) were asked to interpret what the German automaker's automobiles would look like in 2015. Although they worked from a clean slate, inspiration was to come from natural elements such as the sea, wind, or the earth. Thirty-five students were divided into eighteen teams for the task. Those teams conjured up, and approved, twelve proposals. Of those, eight were developed into 1:4 scale models. To ensure the quality standards of their trademark, each of the stages of development were supervised under the watchful eye of BMW execs Thomas Plath, Anders Warming, and the controversial Mr. Bangle-butt himself...Chris Bangle. Check the gallery below for high-res images of the fruits of their labor.

Gallery: IED BMW Concepts

[Source: Car Body Design]

IED students imagine a pod-shaped BMW in 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GALLERY: GM's future interior designs

Siddharth Raja — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac

Interior design is one area where GM is lagging behind its European and Japanese rivals, but there's hope just beyond the horizon. Fully aware of its shortcomings, GM has put a new, more focused emphasis on improving the style and quality of its vehicles' interiors and a handful of official computer-generated concept renderings reveal that there's some very innovative thinking going down in Detroit.

The soon-to-be released Cadillac CTS is one such car that has shown what can be done. Its new interior shows a level of craftsmanship and style that not so long ago was limited to the domain of significantly more expensive imports. If all goes to plan, you won't have to shell out big bucks to enjoy a car with a nice cabin, either. These new concept sketches show several interior design elements, one specific to the Chevy and Pontiac brands as well as designs for GM's SUV and trucks.

[Source: Cheers and Gears]

Gallery: GM's future interior design concepts

Continue reading GALLERY: GM's future interior designs

GALLERY: GM's future interior designs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Toyota to unveil 2009 Corolla, Heavy-Duty Tundra and FJ Cruiser Convertible

John Neff — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Budget, SUV, Truck, Hatchback, Toyota

The 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is not for another three and a half months, but Toyota is getting its ducks in a row preparing for what promises to be a big week in Sin City for the Japanese automaker. It's unveiling not one, not two, but three vehicles at SEMA, including the all-new 2009 Corolla. The current Corolla has been around the block a few more times than Toyota had planned, but still remains a popular vehicle for the company. The new model will include the familiar sedan body type, but also mark the return of a coupe/hatchback. We'll no doubt see a TRD version customized to the nines at SEMA, as well. If the fates are on our side, perhaps they'll show something rear-wheel drive (fingers crossed).

Also present at SEMA will reportedly be a heavy duty diesel dually Tundra pickup designed to be a monster tow machine. It's only a concept and yet to be named, but the HD Tundra will be there to gauge crowd reaction to a dedicated heavy hauler from Toyota. The diesel will likely come from Hino, Toyota's commercial truck division, but Popular Mechancs reports that most of its engines are just too big for the Tundra's bay. The size issue could force Toyota to debut a new, smaller 4.5L diesel V8 that it's been working on. We'll have to wait and see what powers the Tundra concept, but we'd bet our last slot token that this particular Toyota will most certainly not be a hybrid.

Finally, Toyota plans to introduce an FJ Cruiser Convertible concept at SEMA. Reportedly sporting a removable hardtop, sources say that the concept is likely a production prototype in disguise since going to all that trouble engineering a removable hardtop for one vehicle would be silly. To get an idea of what the FJ Cruiser Convertible will look like, take a peek at the aftermarket version.

So there you have it - Toyota's 2008 SEMA lineup. Now that the information's out there, hopefully Toyota will start releasing official pics soon, as well.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

SEMA Preview: Toyota to unveil 2009 Corolla, Heavy-Duty Tundra and FJ Cruiser Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler Concept sunset photo shoot

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars

Click on the Demon for a gallery of high-res images suitable for wallpaper

In conjunction with the preview of its 2008 models, Chrysler invited us out to their proving ground in Chelsea, MI to photograph all of their latest concept cars. The only car we hadn't seen before was a rally-prepped Dodge Caliber that designer Ralph Gilles drove in the Targa Newfoundland. Also on hand were the Chrysler Nassau, Jeep Trailhawk and Dodge Demon, which we saw on the auto show circuit this past winter.

The Chrysler Sebring that was shown last fall at SEMA was joined by the wildly popular Jeep JT pickup and Wrangler Unlimited Ultimate, which will both be shown this fall at SEMA. The concept vehicles were arrayed around the handling loop at the proving ground and we were given free reign to shoot for the next couple of hours. Even though we've seen most of these machines in the past, it was nice to see them outside in the sunshine on a beautiful summer evening. If you're in need of some new wallpaper for your desktop, peruse these galleries and take your pick.

More Chrysler Concept galleries can be found after the jump.

Gallery: Dodge Demon sunset shoot

Gallery: Dodge Caliber Rally

Gallery: Jeep JT

Continue reading Chrysler Concept sunset photo shoot

Chrysler Concept sunset photo shoot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiore designs to hit the block

Noah Joseph — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:52:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Auctions

Click to view in high-resolution

Automotive stylists draw up countless designs for every one that actually gets turned into a prototype, let alone goes into production. Those forsaken designs often fall into obscurity, never again to see the light of day. But some forty years later, one designer's ideas are being unearthed and sold to the highest bidder.

On June 19, British auction house H&H will be selling off no less than 34 original designs by Trevor Fiore, including concepts produced in the mid 1960's for Jaguar, Austin-Healy, Lancia, Alvis, Elva and Trident. The designs were evidently rejected, but the auctioneers hope to find loving homes for them at last.

Trevor Fiore was born Trevor Frost, but adopted his mother's Italian maiden name to help give him the clout to compete with the biggest of Italian design houses. He operated independently under the Fiore Design name during the 60's and 70's, before taking up position at the head of Citroen's design department in the 80's, after which he disappeared from the spotlight.

Follow the jump for the full press release, and click on the thumbnails below to view some of the design renderings up for auction.

Gallery: Fiore Design auction

[Source: H&H]

Continue reading Fiore designs to hit the block

Fiore designs to hit the block originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Glimpse the Chrysler Nassau, Jeep Trailhawk and bongo drums

John Neff — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 13:53:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, SUV, Videos, Hatchback, Chrysler, Daimler, Jeep

We told you about two Chrysler concepts that will be debuting at the 2007 North American International Auto Show back in late November when the automaker released sketches of the Chrysler Nassau and Jeep Trailhawk. Today we were offered a video (embedded after the jump) that gives us glimpses of each concept amid snaps of bongo drums being played. The theme of the short vid is "Marching to the Beat of a Different Drum", and just by releasing such a video we think they're point is made. The above shot is the best view we get of the Nassau's front end, while a rear shot flashes on screen that shows the vehicle is clearly a four-door hatch. There are a few interior shots slid in there, as well.

What we love about concepts from DaimlerChrysler is that they tend to be realistic with a genuine shot at production. If public reaction to either of these concepts is significant enough, that will instigate a serious talk among bean counters and execs about whether or not their production is feasible and profitable. To us, these concepts are much more exciting than pie-in-the-sky turntable queens that show "design DNA" (a favorite industry buzz phrase this time of year) and nothing else.

Follow the jump to check out the video.

[Source: DaimlerChrysler]

Continue reading VIDEO: Glimpse the Chrysler Nassau, Jeep Trailhawk and bongo drums

VIDEO: Glimpse the Chrysler Nassau, Jeep Trailhawk and bongo drums originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia reveals Kue concept ahead of Detroit

John Neff — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 12:22:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Kia

Kia released a sketch today of the Kue concept that will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in early January. In the great tradition of concept vehicles that come before it, the Kue supposedly foretells what future Kia vehicles will look like. Showing that the Kue is not so pie-in-the-sky as we might think, however, Kia told Automotive News that it's built on a unibody platform, which makes it a candidate for an upcoming redesign of the Sorento that is supposedly being moved to a unibody platform for its next redesign in 2008. The Kue's wheelbase is a 114 inches and its overall length 186 inches, most of the difference being consumed by a set of massive 22-inch wheels that we doubt the Sorento will ever see. While it's difficult to form an opinion of the Kue based on this rear, 3/4-angle sketch, we do like the converging point made by the edges of the roof at the rear of vehicle that's matched by a similar shape in the rear bumper. We'll have to wait until we can bring you live shots of the Kue from the floor of the Detroit auto show before we can pass judgment, however.

[Source: Automotive News]

Kia reveals Kue concept ahead of Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Dec 2006 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Trailhawk and Chrysler Nassau concept sketches released

John Neff — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 16:43:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, SUV, Chrysler, Daimler, Jeep

Looks the trickle of officially leaked images is becoming a deluge far in advance of the L.A. Auto Show next week. First it was the interior pic of the 2008 Chevy Malibu released by General Motors earlier today, and now the Chrysler Group has given us renderings of a pair of concepts that will appear in its booth at the L.A. show. Pictured above is the Jeep Trailhawk, so named for the "cropped" headlamps that "produce the countenance of a bird of prey." Or so says the highly stylized PR text that accompanies the photo (read the rest below). The Trailhawk appears to be a cross between a Wrangler Unlimited and a Grand Cherokee, a highly effective off-road weapon that also coddles its occupants more than the military-bred Wrangler.

The Jeep Trailhawk concept merges the spectrum of the Jeep brand by combining the core features of the Jeep Wrangler with the sophistication of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Derived from the all-new 2007 Wrangler architecture, the Jeep Trailhawk concept taps into "Jeep Rugged" attributes to provide classic proportions, unsurpassed off-road capability and a new approach to open-air freedom. The headlamps, cropped and peering out from beneath a diagonal brow, produce the countenance of a bird of prey, and the inspiration for the "Trailhawk" name.

The other concept is for Chrysler and is called the Nassau. It's another one of those four-door coupes in the style of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, and judging from the sketch it pulls off the whole big sedan thing with a lot more grace than last year's Imperial concept. Check out the rendering and its PR jargon after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Jeep Trailhawk and Chrysler Nassau concept sketches released

Jeep Trailhawk and Chrysler Nassau concept sketches released originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Nov 2006 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA: And Volvo C30 makes three

John Neff — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Hatchback, Volvo

click on image to enlarge

This trio of Volvo C30 concepts greets every person entering the Ford display at the 2006 SEMA show. Our favorite by far was the C30 by Evolvo that's powered by a sequentially turbocharged version of the normal C30's 2.5-liter in-line five-cylinder engine, but producing 507 hp and 468 ft-lbs. of torque in its SEMA form. The rear two wheels have also been invited to the drivetrain party so that all four 19-inch Evolve "F1" Multipiece wheels (13-inch wide rears, as you can see) can be driven mad by the monster motor. The bodywork on the Evolve is particularly impresive. After the jump you can see that the C30's schnoz has been lengthened 6 inches and adjustable front splitters now flank the mighty nose. Out back the body has been widened to accomodate the larger rear wheels, which created a space above the rear fenders where Evolved rerouted the exhaust outlets. Very trick, very nice. There's also a serious spoiler perched atop the C30's signature hatch and a real, functional air diffuser below.

Check out the Heico C30 and the 400-horsepower ipd C30 with gull-wing doors. The latter looks like it's doing a passable impression of a Subaru Impreza Rally car.

Continue reading SEMA: And Volvo C30 makes three

SEMA: And Volvo C30 makes three originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Oct 2006 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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L.A. Auto Show Design Challenge entrants

Randall Halcomb — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Contests, Green, Acura, Audi, GM, Honda, Hummer, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen

More pics of entrants after the jump

The major auto shows always have a lot of eye candy for the enthusiast, but few things spark the imagination like extreme and impractical concept cars. The concepts at Tokyo always seem like they jumped right out of an anime. In Europe, the designers tend to go for more sex appeal than anything else, and in the US, we almost always display some kind of reckless, overpowered death trap. We're speaking of the pure concept variety, of course. There is one exception; at the Los Angeles Auto Show you can always find concepts that represent the unique culture of Southern California. Take the Hummer 02 concept above for example. Where else but LA (except maybe Tokyo) would a designer unveil a Hummer concept that is said to turn carbon dioxide into oxygen?

These concepts are fueled by the Design Challenge that has been an annual occurence the past three years. The focus this year is to create a vehicle that is aware of its environmental footprint. Many of the vehicles feature some degree of transformation ability, as well as recyclable components.

Follow the jump for more drawings and panel illustrations of the concepts in 'action.' Some of the concepts are cool, others are strange, but none of them have any shred of feasibility. That just makes them all the more interesting. Thanks to Mike Reed for the tip.

[Source: L.A. Voice]

Continue reading L.A. Auto Show Design Challenge entrants

L.A. Auto Show Design Challenge entrants originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Oct 2006 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Bold Moves - Episode 15: Pitching the Fairlane Concept

John Neff — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 14:24:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Videos, Ford

Ford Bold Moves, Episode 15 has hit the internets and is available for viewing. This week's episode focuses on the concept car and its perilous path to production, specifically the journey made by the Fairlane Concept that debuted at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. The Fairlane Concept is scheduled to debut as a production vehicle in 2008 under a new name, and the episode shows us why the Fairlane was given the go ahead and other concepts passed over. Of particular interest are some scenes from a boardroom meeting with Mark Fields, Ford's President of the Americas and the guy in charge of implementing the Way Forward turnaround plan. Fields says in the meeting, "We all know how hard and desperately we need this product." Really? Really, Mark? We're not suggesting that the Fairlane doesn't have the chops to make it in the market. In fact, we think it does thanks to its fresh take on the modern minivan. However, even though the Fairlane will be significantly larger than the Freestyle CUV already on sale by the company, doesn't anyone notice a little overlap? Ford should move the Freestyle over to Mercury as the Meta One and give the Fairlane and Edge some room to breathe. It seems Ford's product portfolio just keeps getting fatter and fatter at a time when the company needs fewer products that hit their intended targets better. The inside of a Ford showroom is going to become a crowded place in the coming years, at least with cars. For Ford's sake, let's hope with customers, too.

BTW: Look closely during the video and you'll see some great sneak peeks. At the beginning we see a clay model of the production Fairlane's front end, and it's sitting next to a concept that's blurred out. Later on we also see a Fairlane with four doors that open forward instead of the suicide doors found on the concept. We also get a glimpse of the Fairlane's production dash from a picture hanging on a board in the background. (Thanks for the eagle eyes, Jeff!)

[Source: Ford Bold Moves]

Ford Bold Moves - Episode 15: Pitching the Fairlane Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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L.A. Design Challenge theme announced: Environmental Sustainability

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Trends, Green, Acura, Audi, Honda, Hummer, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Toyota, Volkswagen

Being a hotbed of automotive design, Los Angeles often leads the way for future automotive trends. A few years ago, the L.A. Auto Show recognized that it was in a prime location to feature design concepts from some of the best names in the business. That year it initiated a forward-thinking design program called The Design Challenge. Now in its third year, the Challenge isn't so much about showing off next year's models as it is about giving designers free rein to think outside the box and tackle larger issues of the interaction between cars, people and the planet.

Environmental Sustainability is the theme of this year's Challenge, which features nine entries from Acura, Audi, Honda, Hummer, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Toyota and Volkswagen. The concept photo at right is the Mercedes-Benz entry, dubbed the RECY. "Wood, alloys, glass and rubber combine to create a 100-percent recyclable California roadster of the future. It's a fast, fun Mercedes-Benz for the ecologically minded consumer who demands a smart, elegant alternative to the traditional roadster," according to the release.

The Design Challenge entries will be revealed in early October when media packs and CD-ROMs featuring the vehicles are released. A blue ribbon judging panel will review the concept artwork and the winner will be announced on November 30 at the L.A. Auto Show. The 2007 L.A. Auto Show is actually the second for Los Angeles in less than 12 months as the show has moved from its traditional dates in January that had it facing heavy competition with the NAIAS in Detroit.

[Source: L.A. Auto Show]

L.A. Design Challenge theme announced: Environmental Sustainability originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Oct 2006 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gallery: Concepts at Pebble Beach

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 17:53:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Bentley, Chrysler, Daimler, Dodge, Ford, Jaguar, Lexus, Maybach, Rolls-Royce, Saab, Saturn

We still haven't finished going through our pics from Monterey's week-long carfest. Here is a quick wallpaper gallery of concepts, coachbuilds and new production models displayed on the putting green outside The Lodge at the Pebble Beach Golf Links. The Glickenhaus commissioned P4/5, the stubby Dodge Hornet, the Phantom look-alike Chrysler Imperial, the "Darth Vader GT" Maybach Exelero... all there, along with a handful of other concepts and a few near-production-ready models. Follow the jump for the full clickable gallery.

Continue reading Gallery: Concepts at Pebble Beach

Gallery: Concepts at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Sep 2006 17:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW GX3 - official pics, specs and press release

John Neff — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show

Who knows how serious VW is about giving a green light to a production version of its GX3, a three-wheel concept car that's literally hours old on the auto show circuit. The company's press release, however, states that a case for production all depends on how Americans react to this concept that was conceived and designed in our own California.

Stuart just sent us the official press kit, the contents of which including pics, specs and marketing hyperbole will be located after the jump...

VW GX3 - official pics, specs and press release originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2006 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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