Tag Archives: concept
Lexus UX Concept Is A Glimpse of a New Luxury Compact Crossover
The Lexus UX Concept just made its world debut at the Paris Auto Show last week, and to say it made quite a bit of a splash is an understatement. Showcasing Lexus’ vision for a compact crossover in the future, the concept defines a new vision for the company’s design journey and driving experience.
What the UX Concept showed is that Lexus is determined to separate itself from the rest. The models using this concept will have a bold, standalone and unique character coupled with a powerful design and deconstructed interior styling.
During its introduction at the Paris Auto Show, experts raved about the concept’s sharp creases, trademark grilles, piercing headlights and flared side intakes. One can see bits of Lexus NX SUV in the concept, though the innovation was heavily exaggerated on the UX Concept. For one, it has massive wheels, ones we would not see on a production vehicle anytime soon. But this completes the muscular and sexy look of the concept.
There are some pretty interesting parts to the exterior design, but none as compelling as the wild taillight setup at the rear. The clearance between the lens on the rear hatch and the stationary units on the rear quarters is almost nonexistent that the taillight looks like one wide light.
What’s even more unique is the see-through A pillar that “blurs” the boundaries between the exterior and the interior.
Inside, there’s a “deconstructed” look as demonstrated by the sharp and angular forms that overlap each other to replace the conventional dashboard. These overlaps create shadows and contrasts, making it difficult for anyone to identify where they begin or end. The passenger seat was also not prioritized to emphasize that it is the driver that has control of the environment.
The seats, by the way, are inspired by the Lexus Kinetic Seat Concept, which also premiered in the show.
Lexus UX Concept Pioneers 3D Driving Experience
The Lexus UX Concept will make its world debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, and it is charged to showcase Lexus’ vision of a compact SUV for the future. The vehicle will apparently represent the company’s new approach in designing and in providing an exceptional driving experience.
The UX concept has a bold and imaginative approach to designing and technologies. It aims to provide customers an immersive driving experience, thanks to the on-board HMI technology that has been designed to offer an “innovative, three-dimensional driver experience.”
The instrument binnacle of the driver has a transparent, hologram-like globe that houses a combination of analog and digital information. The binnacle is both functional and has an unexpected user interface. The center console, on the other hand, features that prominent and faceted crystal structure. Within that, you can find a hologram-style display of air-conditioning and infotainment system that is clearly visible both to the driver and the front passenger.
The new UX concept will also showcase the latest advanced in-vehicle electrical technologies, which include electro-chromatic windows and electrostatic switchgear that is housed under transparent covers. The sideview mirrors have been replaced with e-mirror camera housings. These are far slimmer than the conventional mirror housings on current vehicles.
Drivers may also expect a new audio experience from cars using the UX Concept thanks to the fin motif on the dashboard, the same one that was used on the A pillar. In fact, a removable sound bar was even built into the passenger side of the dashboard, so that everyone can enjoy a one-of-a-kind audio experience.
Stephen Rasmussen, designer at the European Design Centre, ED2, said that the Lexus’ goal is to create a new genre of compact crossover. They want a vehicle that can create an innovative and 3D experience for the user.
Ultra-Luxurious Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Makes Its Debut
In addition to the Cadillac Escala, another concept car that has is being talked about at present is the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6. After releasing a series of teasers in the form of photos and a video, the ultra-luxury arm of the three-pointed star brand finally unveiled the two-door coupe prototype.
According to the Global Media Site of Daimler, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 is an electric car. The output of the vehicle’s power unit is very impressive as it is capable of producing up to 550 kW (750 hp). The low underfloor battery of the auto gives it a usable capacity of around 80 kWh and allows it to cover a range of over 500 kilometers at full charge based on an NEDC data while EPA puts the figures at 200 miles.
The output of the electric battery lets the car go from zero to 100 km/h in less than four seconds. On the other hand, its maximum speed is electronically-limited to 250 km/h. The quick charging feature of the auto provides it a charging capacity of 350 kW while it can gain an additional range of 100 kilometers in merely five minutes of charging.
The ultra-luxurious coupe was already unveiled at the Monterey Peninsula on August 16, 2016. The car will continue to be showcased there until August 21, 2016 during the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elégance.
Mercedes-Maybach mixes the elements of hotness and coolness into the styling of the Vision 6. The emotional design and the intelligent details of the car respectively make up the mentioned elements.
The long hood of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 coupled with its low roofline and greenhouse’s rearward positioning pays homage to the coupes made long ago. However, Daimler reminds us that the vehicle does not possess a retro design. Instead, it is a reinterpretation of classic and aesthetic principles.
Despite the lack of spoilers, the intelligent basic shape of the concept car makes it aerodynamically-efficient. The styling is also in line with Mercedes’ design philosophy of sensual purity.
New Nissan BladeGlider Edges Close To Production
We had a sighting of the new Nissan BladeGlider, which, contrary to how we met it before in its concept form, is a little close to being production legible. Notice how the form is a little neutered? It’s still not anywhere near a production car, but it looks like Nissan is proving its promise to bring the BladeGlider to showrooms.
Originally introduced during the 2013 Tokyo show concept, the car was so out-of-this-world that we deem it impossible to see a production version anytime soon. For now, it’s dubbed as the BladeGlider v2, an “advanced prototype.”
The differences between the original concept and this one made us think it’s possible to see these with licensed plates soon. After all, Nissan made sure the front and rear widths are less disparate, though still at “odds” with each other. The widths are, of course, inspired by DeltaWing badge.
The BladeGlider is being described by a source as an electric car for car lovers, with specs that definitely prove such claims. It’s a rear-wheel-only drive, each one having its own 130kW motor. The total system output is 264 bhp and 521 lb. ft. Not bad at all for an electric car.
It weighs around 1,300 kg, which is a lot in terms of racing car specs. Remember, though, that the BladeGlider also packs batteries. In terms of sizing, the BladeGlider should compete with the likes of Ford Focus (in terms of length, width and wheelbase) or the Nissan electric Leaf.
The car is powered with a mixture of two motors via torque vectoring. It has three modes—off, agile and drift. There are no details yet regarding powersliding, though we can only imagine how that would feel with the BladeGlider.
Britain’s Williams Advanced Engineering will provide the powertrain, which has a top speed of 118mph, and takes 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds.
Two of the BladeGliders are on their way to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympics. Let’s see how the reactions will turn this advanced concept into a production version.
Honda Civic Type R Concept To Be Introduced At 2016 Paris Show
Reports said that the Honda Civic Type R concept will make a bow at the 2016 Paris Auto Show in September. But the production version wouldn’t be available in the market at least until the second half of next year.
Honda has been working on the next generation of its Civic Type R, which would be sold in most of the Japanese automaker’s markets, including the United States. Prototypes have been sighted in testing in the past months, but we have to wait until 2017 to see the production unit.
But those who want an early look on the new Civic Type R concept can do so this September as it is slated to be unveiled along with Honda’s Civic Hatchback, which will go on sale later this year as a 2017 model. This new hatchback is the basis of the Type R’s form. It will also be sold in the United States.
We’re hoping that what we will be seeing as a concept in September is also the same production version that would join the market in 2017. This was how Honda first introduced the Civic Type R—first as a concept then that same concept was made into a production version.
Accordingly, this new Civic Type R will follow its predecessor’s formula: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that can deliver 300 horsepower to the front wheels, and paired with a 6-speed manual and sophisticated suspension.
Rivals of the new Civic Type R are the Ford Focus RS, the Subaru WRX STI, and the Volkswagen Golf R.
All Civic Hatchbacks, as well as the new Civic Type R, will be sourced from Honda’s plant in the United Kingdom. Details have been very minor about the specs, prices and overall look of the Type R, but we’re expecting more information will come out as the Paris Auto Show in September looms near.
Will The Kia GT Concept Be Called The Stinger?
Reports have it that Korean auto maker Kia is working on a sleek sports sedan with a rear-wheel drive. This was apparently first featured in 2011 in the form of the Kia GT concept. Oh, how time flies.
It now carries the codename CK, and has recently been spotted on the back of a truck. Sources said it is set to make its debut later this year at the 2016 Paris Auto Show in September.
Until recent reports that reveal it might carry the Stinger name, this particular Kia was called a GT. Is the revelation that it will be named Stinger a confirmation that the GT would be a sports car performance-wise? After all, Kia used the name Stinger for its sports car concept in 2014.
That particular sports car was ruled out for production because of a low demand, but elements of it—the design and apparently, the name—will be featured on this sedan.
This GT or Stinger is based on the platform used on the Genesis G80 and the G90 sedans. One of the available powertrains for that platform is the twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 fitted in the Genesis sedans. That can produce 365 horsepower. Customers can choose between 4- or 6-cylinder engines.
Whatever it will be called, this new Kia is slated to be a part of the 2018 lineup for the Korean brand. It will fit somewhere in the middle of the Cadenza and the K900, and would compete with style-led sedans such as the Audi A7 and the Mercedes-Benz CLS. The Kia, of course, will be way cheaper.
Cheap cars are the centerfold of Kia’s business model. Though this was a successful strategy at first, Kia and sister company Hyundai are experiencing declining profits amid increasing sales. The new strategy seems to be targeting more profitable segments, such as the one where this new Kia will fit.
BMW Reveals 2002 Hommage Concept
BMW just revealed its new 2002 Hommage concept, which was unveiled at Villa D’Este Concours event. This is nothing new as the company prefers to pay respect to the past through concepts such as the BMW CSL Hommage last year and the 328 Hommage from two years ago.
According to Top Gear, the 2002 Hommage will take the spotlight this year. Based on the BMW 2002 Turbo, the 2002 Hommage is most probably just an M2. BMW Senior Vice President Adrian van Hooydonk said that the 02 range started an era of success for BMW 50 years ago. That compact coupe was the foundation of the brand’s success over the years.
The 2002 Hommage concept repeats BMW’s most famous trait, which is the shark nose. But aside from that, the concept also has a huge front spoiler, a nod to the old 70s cars. The fascia has an aggressive design to go along with the single-light headlights that pay homage to the original 02 series too.
The sides have a smoother but more muscular design cues as the strong bodyline runs from the front fender all the way to the rear.
At the back, you’ll find the twin dual exhaust outlets, a smooth rear fascia, an embedded reflector on each corner, and dark glass taillight lenses with two LED strips that emphasize the outer and lower edges of the lenses.
The car is painted in light baby blue with the upper half having a matte finish to prevent reflection from the sun.
The interior remains a mystery since BMW remains mum about it. But since this is patterned after the M2, expect to have M2’s driver-oriented cabin inside.
We don’t have information on the drivetrain of the car as of yet, though we’re betting it would have the same 3.0-liter that delivers 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque on the M2.
Volvo V40 Hinted On Snapchat
Volvo has been working on an overtime lately. Either it’s launching new products or cranking up the research on new technology, the company has certainly been very busy. Its latest pronouncement proves it is laying the groundwork for future production cars.
Its most recent V90 wagon was highly impressive, as well as the 2017 S60 Polestar sedan and its long-roof sibling, the 2017 V60 Polestar wagon.
On its latest Snapchat tease, the upcoming Volvo V40 and XC40 were hinted, a pair of smaller models that will take the lead into bringing Volvo’s return to the premium small car segment, which has been dominated by the likes of Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
There is not much we can get from the hints that came across as via the Internet through Snapchat. All Volvo deemed we deserve to know are the phrases “Teasing the future of Volvo” and “Not your daddy’s Volvo” followed by a couple of emoticons (a smiley, a kiss and a father-like shedding a tear).
We’re lucky enough to find a single promo shot of the new Volvo without the caption and the smiley. The vehicle will officially be called the “Volvo Concept 40.” Based on the teaser, it will have the same handsome design language of the new S90.
Reportedly, the concept will be unveiled at the company’s headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden. Surely, we will have more information after the unveiling, and we’ll see if it looks good in person as it does on these photos.
The new Volvo will use the brand’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which is also expected to be used by other Geely products. The concept might be the brand’s future come 2018, so look for it then. As we can well remember, the last 40-series Volvos left the US market in 2011 after several years of declining sales.
Its return might just be as memorable.
Subaru Confirmed Levorg STI Version
Subaru Tecnica International, Subaru’s performance arm, just confirmed the company’s plan to launch a high performance version of its Levorg wagon. According to a source, it will be based on the Levorg STI concept introduced during the 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon.
The concept is due to start production this summer, but it won’t be coming to the United States market since the Levorg was never really offered there.
Unlike the previous BRZ tS, the Subaru Levorg STI won’t be another lame duck attempt. Instead, it will more likely offer dedicated performance like the WRX STI, which was celebrated when it was launched.
Subaru is basically claiming this would be a more mature performance car. It is launching the vehicle to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the brand’s love for horizontally-opposed “boxer” engines. The release seems to be an appeal also for consumers who lamented the company’s decision to end the production of the hatchback body style of the current-generation WRX STI.
No other details have been released by Subaru, although reports are pointing out to a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which we saw on the original Levorg STI concept. What we saw on the concept is that it’s also fitted with 18-inch wheels, especially-tuned dampers and an elegant interior with two-tone leather trim.
The concept also featured a CVT.
All of these features were included in the wagon as an attempt by Subaru’s design team to come up with a performance car for the older and more conservative types who were unimpressed by the WRX STI.
There’s no actual detail yet on when Subaru is planning to introduce the Levorg STI to the market, but the company has been hinting since 2011, when it launched the Advanced Tourer concept, of such a vehicle. Let us expect the Levorg STI wagon anytime soon.
What Would A Nissan Sentra Nismo Be Like?
It’s way too hard not to imagine what a Nissan car bearing the Nismo nameplate be like after the company revealed its concept at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.
There was a time that Nissan was the dream of many, thanks to its SE-R, which was sadly discontinued after the 2012 model. That one was packed to capacity—a four-cylinder engine, responsive suspension, and a competitive price tag.
You wouldn’t find the likes these days, except that Nissan will probably surprise us with a performance Sentra with all the goodies of before. But until the company actually announces something, car enthusiasts are free to imagine what the Nismo nameplate would come with.
According to a source, the Nissan Sentra Nismo would have Nissan’s “Energetic Flow” design language as seen on the Altima, Maxima and Murano. The front fascia would gain the “V-Motion” grille, as well as boomerang-shaped headlights and taillights. A strip of chrome would run from the trunk to the window surround, linking the nose and tail with shiny metal.
Across the Nismo lineup, you would find the premium Bright Pearl White color with accents done in red, black and carbon fiber, most especially in lower fascia, sideview mirrors, door handles and side sills.
There would also be a shiny black chrome mesh for the upper and lower grilles while the 19-inch aluminum alloys Ray wheels will use a dark grey matte finish and polished lip.
For the drivetrain, the Sentra is usually equipped with 1.8-liter, DOHC, inline four-cylinder engine. The total output stands at only 130 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque through a front-wheel drive continuously variable transmission (CVT). It can go 0-to-60 mph on automatic transmission or manual transmission for the base model Sentra S.
There’s a turbocharger to add more power and speed. This can lead to 265 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
As for the price, the Nismo would most likely start at $28,000.