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Ford Kuga Concept

FRANKFURT PREVIEW FOR NEW FORD KUGA CROSSOVER

COLOGNE, Germany, September 5, 2007 – Ford is releasing the first details of its new Kuga crossover at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, where the car will be previewed ahead of production early in 2008. The Kuga will be previewed alongside the new Ford Verve Concept small car and other exciting new products yet to be revealed on the show's first press day, September 11th.

The All-New Ford Kuga in Brief

Stylish Ford Kuga crossover will be previewed at Frankfurt Motor Show in near production form ahead of sales launch in early 2008
Inspired by the iosis X Concept that was revealed at the 2006 Paris Motor Show
Kuga is the latest showcase for Ford's 'kinetic design'
Impressive on-road driving dynamics with substantial off-road ability
Model range features 'intelligent' 4WD and FWD systems
Powered by Ford's acclaimed 2.0-litre 136 PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engine
Benefits from strong Ford Focus lineage
First crossover designed and developed in-house by Ford of Europe
To be produced at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany

Ford of Europe's product portfolio is expanding again – and in another new direction. The new Ford Kuga is an exciting 4WD crossover that combines style with technology and promises impressive on-road dynamics coupled with substantial off-road ability.

The new Ford Kuga will go on sale throughout Europe during the first half of 2008. "When we unveiled the stunning iosis X Concept car at the 2006 Paris Motor Show I promised that in less than two years we would enter this segment with an all-new vehicle developed and built in-house," said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"In delivering that promise, the commitment we also gave in Paris two years ago to add new and exciting niche vehicles to a newly energised Ford of Europe portfolio was also kept," Fleming added.

"Kuga offers a rare blend of a wagon and SUV features together with coupé-like sporting qualities," said Stephen Odell, Vice President for Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe.

"A major element of our strategy to return the Ford of Europe business to sustained profitability is the introduction of exciting new products – like Kuga – that attract new customers to the brand," explained Odell. "The S-MAX proved to us that there is demand for vehicles which offer the customer universal usability for work, leisure and family roles and where "driving pleasure" is also very important."

Unmistakably a Ford
One of the challenges of the Kuga development team was to give the vehicle Ford's acknowledged driving quality while at the same time delivering substantial off-road ability.

For this reason, the Ford Kuga will be available with an intelligent four-wheel-drive system which contributes positively to normal road use and helps give the vehicle an almost sporty dynamic ability. The fact that the Kuga will also be available as a front-wheel-drive only version simply emphasises the crossover concept of the vehicle.
Kuga's powertrain will feature Ford's established and highly fuel efficient 2.0-litre, 136 PS Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engine mated to a Durashift 6-speed manual transmission. Further details of the Kuga powertrain will be released closer to launch in early 2008.

Kuga Design - Standing Out
"Our kinetic design form language is very flexible and is giving an exciting look to all our new vehicles," said Martin Smith, Executive Design Director, Ford of Europe. "The iosis X Concept demonstrated how kinetic design could be adapted to the C-sized crossover segment of the market. All the expressive design elements of iosis X are clearly visible in the production vehicle. The new Ford Kuga is a dramatic addition to the Ford portfolio which develops our brand significantly."

Kuga closely follows the proportions and basic dynamic forms of the iosis X. This relationship is enhanced by the paint finish in the same unique 'Ice White' body colour and the bold wheel arches are filled with the same alloy wheels, as seen on iosis X which will be available to customers as a 19-inch option. Strength and athleticism in the design are key attributes of Ford's 'kinetic design' philosophy. Kuga demonstrates this through its dynamic lines, full surfaces and muscular presence. This athletic form language is highlighted with the bold kinetic graphics such as the trapezoidal front grills, rising belt-line and kick-up of the rear window graphic and the dramatic swept back headlamp shapes.

For the production Ford Kuga the coupé-like roof profile of the iosis X Concept has been adjusted to a slightly higher silhouette offering comfortable accommodation for five people.

The luggage compartment is accessed via a split tailgate and this, together with the divided rear lights, ensures the maximum full load width is available for loading and unloading.

Finally, the rear end design of Kuga also incorporates the graphic elements of 'kinetic design' such as the high mounted tail lamps, facetted rear glass and sculptured rear bumper. The rear bumper neatly integrates the tailpipes into the contours of the diffuser.

Kuga Interior – Space and Comfort
The interior of the new Ford Kuga has a spacious feel – and not just because of the large panoramic glass roof fitted to the preview model and available as an option in production.

The clean, ergonomic design of the instrument panel and centre stack converge into a voluminous centre console for maximum accessible storage. These interior components contribute to a comfortable surrounding for the driver and front seat passenger. The high seat and shoulder line position of the doors offers the opportunity for maximum glazed areas to give a light and airy environment for passengers and provides the driver a commanding view of their surroundings.

The materials chosen for Kuga's interior also demonstrate the close links to the iosis X Concept. In Kuga we see once again technical materials, fine leathers and striking orange piping. The Ebony interior is set off by a centre console and details in the door which also feature the piano-white finish from iosis X. All these elements together show how Ford intends to enable Kuga customers in the future to personalise their vehicle.

A hint of the technology coming in Kuga is seen in the new Blaupunkt navigation system which incorporates a 7" colour display to also show images from a rear view camera incorporated into the tailgate. This new feature, to aid reversing manoeuvres, will find its way to the production version of the Kuga.

"We're very excited about Kuga, and believe that its blend of great looks, compact exterior dimensions, superb on-road driving quality, spacious and high quality interior and good off-road ability will allow it to stand out from the crowd," said Fleming. "We can't wait to see it on and off road early next year"

Logan Renault eco2 Concept Revealed

concept car, Renault

Last May saw Renault launch the Renault eco appellation, a hallmark which underpins the firm's pledge to produce a range of vehicles that are both ecological and affordable. Today, Renault takes the wraps off Logan Renault eco2 Concept, the experimental car it will use to contest the forthcoming Michelin-organised Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai, China. In addition to epitomizing the economical motor car, Logan Renault eco2 Concept is ecological, too, and complies with all three of the criteria relating to production, use and recycling required to warrant the Renault eco2 label. And with a CO2 score of just 97g/km, Logan Renault eco2 is particularly efficient on the emissions front.

The Renault eco appellation is an eloquent illustration of Renault's commitment to the production of a range of vehicles that are both ecological and affordable; in other words, vehicles that offer measurable results throughout their lifecycle and which make advanced technologies available to the vast majority of motorists.

To qualify for the Renault eco appellation, vehicles must comply with three criteria:

they must be produced in an ISO 14001-certified factory,
they must emit less than 140g of CO2/km, or else run on biofuel,
they must be 95% end-of-life reusable, while at least five per cent of the plastics they contain must be sourced from recycling.

Today, 40% of the versions that make up the Renault range have already been awarded Renault eco status.

To participate in this year's Michelin-organised Challenge Bibendum (November 14-17), which takes place in Shanghai, China, Renault will be represented by the new Logan Renault eco Concept. In addition to this experimental vehicle's outstanding economical credentials, Logan Renault eco Concept is also ecological and complies with all three of the criteria required to qualify for the Renault eco label. To begin with, Logan Renault eco Concept was made in the Romanian factory of Pitesti which received ISO 14001 certification in 2005. Meanwhile, 8.3 per cent of the plastics it contains come from recycling and 95 per cent of its mass is reusable. Last but not least, a special effort has gone into achieving a level of CO2 emissions performance that takes it under the 100g/km threshold.

Logan Renault eco Concept is powered by a B30-compatible 1.5 dCi engine (63kW/85hp) and benefits from a long list of technical solutions and optimisations that all stand out as avenues of development for future Renault vehicles.

These solutions cover the following areas:

Powertrain: modified pistons and injection system for enhanced combustion, detail work on tolerances and lubrication to minimise friction, new gearbox ratios.
Aerodynamics: the combination of a VORTEX generator (a small, drag-reducing, roof-mounted feature), a flexible splitter under the front bumper, wheel fairings and a rear lip spoiler have enabled the Cd to be cut from the 0.36 of a standard Logan to 0.29.
Running gear: Logan Renault eco Concept is equipped with low rolling resistance Michelin Pure tyres (185/65 R15). The camber and toe settings, as well as the braking system, have also been optimised as part of the across-the-board bid to combat friction.

The work accomplished on these three fronts enables Logan Renault eco Concept to boast record low CO2 emissions of just 97g/km (NEDC combined cycle), equivalent to fuel consumption of 3.8 litres/100km.

The dashboard of Logan Renault eco Concept is also equipped with a gearshift indicator which permits the driver to make an active contribution to the optimization of fuel consumption and reduce CO2 emissions. By taking full advantage of this feature's benefits, it is possible to take Logan Renault eco Concept's CO2 emissions performance below its homologated score of 97g/km.

Logan Renault eco Concept reaffirms Renault's determination to demonstrate that ecology and affordability are perfectly compatible and asserts its conviction that the most effective environmentally-friendly techniques are those that are readily accessible to the vast majority of motorists.

Lotus Hot Wheels Concept: First Pictures

concept car, Lotus

As seen at SEMA

A few weeks back Hot wheels celebrated their 40^th anniversary at the SEMA show in Sin City with a range of new scaled concept cars from several manufacturers. Lotus was asked as one of those manufacturers and they have finally come through with some high resolution images of their amazing 1:5 scaled concept. In the spring of 2008 a 1:64 model will be featured in the Hot Wheels line-up for all Lotus fans to own.

The Lotus Hot Wheels Concept comes from the same designers who are currently working on the new Lotus Project Eagle, which is scheduled to make its show debut as a concept at the 2008 London Motor Show in July and go into production later in the year.

Steven Crijns, Design Manager at Lotus Design and creator of this concept design explained; “Hot Wheels cars are barely 75mm long, so specific attention went to create a bold shape that would work well at this scale. The car needed to be recognisable as a Lotus without having to turn it over to look at the badge underneath, so I took elements from the Elise and Exige such as the headlight design, the Lotus ‘mouth’, the pronounced wheel arches and trademark bonnet graphics.”

Russell Carr, Head of Lotus Design said; “This was a dream job for the design team because, for many of us, when we were children, it was Hot Wheels that first ignited our passion for cars and design. The design offered unique challenges because it has to work as a toy and we therefore had to remember how specific views, features and tactile qualities of toy cars fascinated us as children.”

Dodge Zeo Hybrid Concept to Star at Detroit

concept car, Dodge, Green cars

Dodge are to debut a sport wagon hybrid concept dubbed the 'Zeo' as part of Chrysler's 'clean-running' and 'excitingly-styled' concept vehicle trio set for Detroit in January. Starring alongside equally-green Chrysler and Jeep concept cars, the Zeo is a four-door four-seater 'wagon' - but in two-plus-two coupe guise.

Familiarity extends only to the Dodge grille and flared arches, with its albeit sport-designated 'wagon' label only adding to confusion. Described as a four-passenger four-door with a 2+2 arrangement, suicide rear doors perhaps similar to the gullwing doors of automotive past are a likely feature judging by these official sketches.

Advanced technology is used for ecological effect. A range of 250 miles is provided by the car's presumably plug-in lithium-ion battery pack, which powers the 250 kW electric motor. Acceleration is estimated to allow a 0-60 mph time of less than six seconds.

More information will follow prior to the concept car's Detroit Show debut in January so stay tuned. In the meantime, keep up to date with all things eco-friendly in our green category.

Jeep to Storm Detroit with Renegade Hybrid Concept

concept car, Green cars, Jeep

Starring alongside what become the rather more conservative Chrysler and Dodge concept vehicles next to Jeep's Renegade Hybrid Vehicle at January's Detroit Auto Show is a concept car designed from the outset to turn around heads as much as global warming. This is a compact, sports concept employing weight-saving strategies and an array of drivetrain technologies to produce an eco-Jeep worthy of its nameplate.

Packing the combination of a lithium-ion battery pack, electric motors and a Bluetec diesel engine, the Jeep Renegade is a concept whose strength lies in numbers: namely the 110 mpg fuel consumption figure that Chrysler expects it to return. Four-wheel-drive capability is assisted through dual electric motors with an 85 kW total output which are each dedicated to an axle.

To aid achieving such impressive fuel economy, an aluminium frame reduces weight, while stylish but lightweight features such as a cut-down windshield, roll bar, openings in the door panels and a hose-out interior too aid both function and form.

Stay tuned for more information to follow shortly ahead of the concept's debut at Detroit early next year. Until then, stay in the know for all things eco-friendly on our green category page.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Hybrid Concept

Chrysler, concept car, Green cars

As part of Chrysler's three-strong concept car offensive at the Detroit Auto Show next year will be this new ecoVoyager hybrid vehicle, touted much like its Jeep and Dodge show stand companions to fuse the economical and ecological advantages of an advanced 'clean-running drivetrain' and the appeal of a vehicle styled to excite.

Seating four in comfort, the ecoVoyager is powered by a new technology which has the environment at its heart. A hydrogen fuel cell generates electricity for the battery pack and 200 kW electric motor, which according to Chrysler will exclusively drive the vehicle for in excess of 300 miles. Powertrain components are stored underfloor. However, performance will not be sluggish, a 0-60 mph time of less than 8 seconds being expected.

Although longer than the present Voyager by some two inches, the single-box designed concept vehicle is both narrower and lower in height, which transfers to more swept and sporty styling cues. Among them is the return of Chrysler's central spine, a crease which spans from the rather subdued front to the dynamic rear end, where it effectively dictates the hatch and light cluster arrangement.

Ford Verve 4-Door Concept Debut in Guangzhou

concept car, Ford

FORD REVEALS MORE ABOUT ITS FUTURE SMALL CAR

GUANGZHOU, China, November 19, 2007 – Ford is revealing more about its vision for a new global small car family at Auto Guangzhou. Ford today revealed the second Verve Concept – a four-door notchback.

The dynamic Ford Verve Concept four-door notchback is a star of the fifth annual Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition. The fact that Ford staged the global reveal of the four-door Verve Concept at Guangzhou signals the importance of Asia in Ford’s global plans.

Sporty and coupe-like, the Verve Concept notchback provides a very clear vision about Ford’s future small car design direction. The three-door hatchback Verve Concept was a star of the recent Frankfurt Motor Show in Europe, and it too is also under the spotlights at Guangzhou.

Ford will unveil the third and last Verve Concept in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

“With this new four-door Verve Concept, the picture of Ford's big plans for the small-car segment is becoming clearer,” said Phil Spender, Chief Operation Officer of Ford Motor (China) Ltd. “Our future small car is being developed as a global car. It will be designed in Europe, engineered in Germany and manufactured globally. These two Verve Concepts demonstrate how confident Ford is in its direction and its appeal to consumers here in China.”

Ford’s European design team created the Verve Concepts, which successfully apply Ford's kinetic design philosophy for the first time to a small car. The two Verve Concepts clearly display a European flair and premium touches not expected in this segment.

Once all have been revealed, the trilogy of Verve concept cars will provide an advanced indication of Ford’s design vision well in advance of the production models. This approach is similar to the way in which the iosis Concept preceded the new Ford Mondeo.

European Design

Side by side in Guangzhou, the two Verve Concepts bring the latest wave of Ford's kinetic design to the heart of Asia. Their colours are inspired by the world of fashion; the regal frosted grape of the new Verve Concept four-door notchback complements the bold magenta of the Frankfurt three-door hatchback like a well-coordinated ensemble.

“First it was the hatchback and now a very exciting and dynamic notchback,” said the father of kinetic design, Martin Smith, Ford’s Executive Director of European Design. “Looking at these concepts together, you can just imagine how exciting the successor to the Ford Fiesta will be when it hits the market.”

Public Response in Guangzhou

Ford designers, buoyed by the enthusiastic reaction in Europe to the first Verve Concept, will be carefully studying reactions to the new notchback by Chinese consumers.

Ford European design chief Smith said, “These Verve Concepts are a dynamic first public expression directionally of some of the thinking that will be contributing to the design DNA of our next-generation products. At this stage, we have had the freedom to be radically innovative, but I’m confident about the realistic possibilities for kinetic design to embrace this segment of vehicles.”

The latest Verve Concept builds on the very distinctive look of its hatchback sibling. These two concept vehicles share strong front-end graphics that, with the advent of the new Mondeo, are now becoming recognised as the bold, new face of Ford.

The notchback body form of the new concept family is linked with the hatchback through the use of form language composed of dynamic lines and full surfaces – the signature of kinetic design.

The new notchback execution brings new hints about Ford’s kinetic design approach to sedan variants of its future small car family.

Smith’s exterior design team – led by European Exterior Chief Designer Stefan Lamm – took full advantage of the notchback shape to stretch the kinetic design elements and create a very sleek and dynamically poised personality.

The notchback displays a sleek, pillarless side window profile providing a bold graphic statement, along with strongly defined wheel arches that communicate tension and muscularity. Its dramatic C-pillar shape contributes to this feeling of dynamism, while the rear body and decklid shapes coherently build on the toned and fit kinetic design look with full surfaces and bold lines.

As any top fashion model on the catwalk, Guangzhou’s new Verve Concept is dressed well. From its seductive colour to the smallest detail, Verve Concept evokes an air of premium quality not usually found in the small-car segment.

Despite the functional differences with the hatchback shape, the notchback’s rear design clearly displays the same kinetic design influences.

The rear glass of the Verve notchback is shaped to correspond with the forms of the high-mounted, two-piece tail lamps. This unique and premium execution, first seen on the new Mondeo, is now translated into a smaller car.

A dark chrome diffuser at the lower bumper is consistent with the design of the hatchback but shaped specifically for the notchback design.

Like its sibling, the notchback Verve’s face is bold and sporty, yet friendly and engaging. The front is dominated by a large, inverted trapezoidal lower grille and a large Ford oval badge centred in the compact upper grille opening.

The lower grille features a strong eggcrate graphic; its vertical and horizontal blades bonded by an array of intriguing ‘bullet’ shapes. The lower grille and badge treatment are the design team’s signature elements to communicate the Ford design DNA in future products.

The bonnet features highly sculpted dynamic forms. This form treatment combines with the more pronounced, rearward-stretching head lamp units – inspired by Mondeo – to give the face of the Verve a friendly, open and inviting personality. The prominent headlamps feature two projector beams and a light-emitting diode (LED) array.

The two Verve Concepts share a distinctive 18-inch, 12-spoke, two-piece alloy wheel design that lends more drama to the car. The wheels have a precise, jewel-like feel to their design. Both Verve Concepts’ are wearing low-profile tyres featuring a sidewall stripe that complements the exterior body colour.

“With a small car, for example a B-segment car compared to a larger car, we believe we can play up – or amplify – key elements of the kinetic design form language,” Lamm said. “It’s not just a matter of copy-and-paste from one vehicle segment to another but rather how to interpret the philosophy for each individual car. You can clearly see this when you compare the larger iosis Concept and this new project.”

Exploring the Inner Kinetic

The interior of the Verve Concept family is as dramatic as is its exterior. From boldly shaped surfaces and confident use of rich colours and enticing materials, the Verve Concept has a playful sense of sophistication and fashion. It also pioneers new technologies that someday may be a production reality.

As Ford designers explored the possibilities for a future Ford small car, the wide latitude they were given helped them focus on applying the tenets of kinetic design to the interior. The result is a Verve Concept which explores a completely new direction for small cars. The architecture of the instrument panel with sensuous curves and full shapes make a typical, upright centre stack design seem distinctly old fashioned.

“This is a quantum leap in bringing kinetic design into interior design,” said Niko Vidakovic, Chief Interior Designer, Ford of Europe. “This type of visual innovation, linking the form language of the interior so strongly with the exterior, is something we believe no other company is doing.”

Prominent, full forms characterises the upper instrument panel, created by the hands of Ford interior designer Tiago Diaz and supervisor Ernst Reim. Full surfaces and flowing contours on interior elements – especially the instrument panel and door panels – visually echo the exterior's kinetic design. These elements combine to envelop the vehicle’s occupants and to contrast with the airiness provided by the panoramic glass roof.

New Aesthetic Inspired by Mobile Phones

The Verve Concept was designed for the generation that grew up with mobile phones.

The centre stack is a principal feature of the interior. Aesthetically, it follows the contours of the instrument panel, rising to frame a large-screen Ford Convers+ system incorporated in the upper dash. The Ford Convers+ system incorporated in the Verve Concept is the latest-generation Human Machine Interface (HMI) recently introduced in the Ford Mondeo. This technology alone indicates the level of sophistication incorporated in this small-car vision.

Functionally, a key element of the centre stack design is the decoupling of the traditional elements of the entertainment system – the screen, control elements and the electronics. Separating these elements allowed designers to place controls and buttons for optimal ergonomic positioning in a design that resembles the logic of a mobile phone.

This new approach enables the Verve Concepts to introduce a completely new aesthetic – a new approach to the form and function of interacting with underlying technologies. The unique architecture also embraces other key systems including navigation and in-car phone controls.

Every button and switch was crafted with the kind of attention to detail that characterises good mobile phone designs. This system philosophy gives the centre stack a different feel than that of traditional automotive switchgear.

"A new generation of buyers raised with mobile electronic devices would feel right at home in this new automotive interior, one that exceeds the standards typical in the small-car segment," said Vidakovic.

Verve Concept’s heating/ventilation controls – highlighted in a lozenge shape at the midpoint of the centre stack – feature large twist dials.

The centre stack structure flows into a centre console to provide storage areas, including a tray for a mobile phone or MP3 player as well as a large area near the handbrake for a purse or shoulder bag.

“The centre stack is like the art gallery of the car,” Vidakovic said. “The combination of the sculpture of the upper instrument panel, the rich interior colours and materials and the jewellery-like brightwork is very distinctive.”

The primary gauges – speedometer and rev counter – are uniquely framed by binocular-shaped, short tunnels of brightwork which complement the centre stack. In effect, they contrast beautifully with the rich interior colours.

Verve Concept’s steering wheel – its crash pad, sculpted of soft-feel material and framed in brightwork – provides a touch-and-see centrepiece for the Ford oval badge. The left and right spokes of the three-spoke design incorporate the toggle controls for the HMI system.

Rich, Harmonious Colours

Verve Concept conveys a cool, technical interior feel. The interior colours and materials combining to represent a vision for the future interpretation of Ford’s Titanium interior, according to Ruth Pauli, Chief Designer, Colours and Trims, Ford of Europe.

“Colours and materials play an important role in emotionalising our products,” Pauli said. “With the Verve Concept notchback revealed at Guangzhou, we are striving for a very precise expression of a certain style. Tones of grey and silver express elegance and a technical feel that contrasts with the more expressive colours of the Frankfurt concept.”

Interior materials used by Pauli and colour and trim specialist Ulrike Dahm include:

The upper instrument panel finished in Fairland dark silver matte leather
Verve Concept’s distinctive centre console is finished in an Optimum Aluminum grey
Syracuse dark anthracite grey leather along the lower section of the instrument panel completes the portfolio of tones
A strip of mood illumination has been incorporated above the glove box to provide an interesting visual accent. (Designers envision the possibility that the colour and intensity of this lighting could be customer-chosen should this feature be incorporated in a future production model)

Small elements of the interior – even control stalks on the steering column – reflect an attention to detail from the team inspired by luxury goods such as cosmetics. Such small packaging requires the precise execution of every detail and the right expression, tonal quality and saturation of colours.

“Together, these elements create a strong statement of consistency, harmony and quality that makes the Verve Concept such a cohesive design statement,” Pauli said. “It is this cohesiveness that will make this concept appeal to a modern, fashion-aware audience.”

Volkswagen Slipstream Wins LA Design Challenge

concept car, Volkswagen

Today, Volkswagen Slipstream design sketch was announced as the winner of the Los Angeles Auto Show's 2007 Design Challenge. This year's theme, RoboCar of 2057, asked eight automotive design studios to form their vision of the future by depicting a vehicle that incorporates artificial intelligence engineered to make life easier and more attractive to consumers 50 years from now.

The Volkswagen Slipstream was chosen for how well it integrated into personal and work life, the level of innovation and technology as well as its unique styling. The Slipstream adapts for city and freeway driving. These two-wheeled, teardrop shaped pods travel in an upright orientation that occupies one-fifth the size of a traditional vehicle and when on the freeway, tilts horizontally to be more aerodynamic.

"Thinking 50 years in the future using autonomous driving and artificial intelligence was challenging for our design team," said Derek Jenkins, Chief of Volkswagen Design. "We truly enjoyed participating in the Design Challenge and winning is a definite plus."

Entries were judged by multi-discipline design professionals who selected the winner based on its originality of creative concept, integration of robotics and level of adaptation to a variety of environmental conditions and consumer needs.

"The scope of the entries was very impressive and in the end it came down to which team had the most innovative and fun design that could be best applied to a daily lifestyle," said Chuck Pelly, director of Design Los Angeles and partner in The Design Academy, Inc. "Volkswagen's designers showed passion and ultimately created a brighter vision of 2057."

Designers entered two-dimensional renderings and concept descriptions predicting how the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence will integrate into the automobile to make life safer, more practical and attractive. In the past, participating studios have received impressive amounts of worldwide exposure among peers and media.

The purpose of the Design Challenge is to pit the auto manufacturers' Los Angeles-based design studios against one another. Designers enjoy participating in the challenge because it is a strong venue to showcase their talents and further explore new ideas in automotive design.

Toyota Matrix Rally concept

concept car, Toyota

After making its debut at the SEMA show Toyota has brought the 2009 Matrix Rally Sport Concept for all the public to see at the Los Angeles Motor Show.

"The Rally Sport Concept may have the body of a five-door hatch, but it comes with the soul of a two-door sports car." Under the hood you will find a supercharged 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower. You will also find all the other usual rally sport extras including a full body kit,hood and roof scoops, a full roll cage and 19 inch OZ alloy wheels.

We have had a very positive reaction to the 2009 Matrix here at WCF, but does this suped up version make the cut? We'll leave it up to you to decide.

Kia KND-4 SUV Concept

concept car, Kia

Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled the all-new KND-4 compact SUV concept vehicle at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Having made its world debut at the Seoul Motor Show in April, the KND-4 concept was specifically designed to provide an idea of what next-generation Kia compact SUVs will be like. Conceived at the Kia Design Center in Korea, the new concept exhibits a powerful and strong character that corresponds with Kia’s philosophy of "Exciting and Enabling."

"The KND-4 compact SUV is a vital vehicle because it showcases dynamic and sophisticated styling cues that are strongly indicative of future Kia SUV models," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. "Designed with active and independent consumers in mind, KND-4 demonstrates Kia’s ongoing commitment to making vehicles that are both stylish and technologically advanced."

Athletic and Sleek Exterior

KND-4 appeals to consumers who crave freedom and an active lifestyle, while removing the boundary between the city and outdoors to allow the driver to express his or her unique personality. The swift, rounded front end features LED headlamps and a sleek radiator grille, which flows smoothly into flared wheel arches that wrap around 20-inch, low-profile tires.

The pronounced shoulder line and sweeping C-pillar give a dynamic flare to the compact SUV, while the large rear window highlighting the interior volume and uniquely-styled rear cluster lamps emphasize the overall sporty stance. Short overhangs and a high ground clearance ensure excellent off-road capabilities.

Future-Oriented Interior

KND-4’s interior provides a unique contrast to the strong character of the exterior. Designed to seat four passengers in individual, independent seats, future-oriented accents include floor, dash and door trim panels in a metallic finish, highlighted by indirect lighting that reflects in the metallic material and creates an exciting cabin ambience that will appeal to a passenger’s sentimental side. The cargo room in the back of the vehicle not only provides room for storage, but also is outfitted with a mobile hard case used for storage, as well as an emergency kit.

Equipped with the most advanced technology, KND-4 enables the driver to obtain information from both inside and outside the vehicle and use entertainment features conveniently. AMOLED (Active-Matrix, Organic, Light Omitting Diode), the next-generation high-quality display, has been applied to the top and bottom of the cluster and center fascia to provide a clear image regardless of the visual angle. This way, the driver can receive moving images from the navigation system, vehicle information, as well as mobile phones. KND-4 also offers the driver both Bluetooth and Blu-ray technologies, controlled by multi-function buttons on the steering wheel, plus a built-in hard disc for the audio player.

Efficient Power

KND-4 is powered by a 2.2-liter Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) diesel engine featuring Kia’s Active Torque Transfer (ATT) system, which, in severely slippery conditions, automatically distributes torque to the wheel or wheels with the best traction.

Kia Motors America – the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation in Seoul, South Korea – offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States.

Mercedes-Benz S400 BLUETEC HYBRID Concept

concept car, Green cars, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is holding the North American debut of a bold new powertrain at the Los Angeles Auto Show, open to the public November 16-23, 2007 at the L.A. Convention Center. The new S400 BLUETEC HYBRID combines both clean diesel and hybrid technologies by using the latest BLUETEC diesel instead of the gasoline engine that usually helps power a hybrid.

Since hybrids use a conventional engine in concert with an electric motor, it’s not surprising that a state-of-the-art hybrid is making use of the world’s most fuel-efficient piston engine – the diesel. In its latest form, the exhaust emissions from the Mercedes-Benz BLUETEC diesel are as clean as a modern gasoline engine.

A Hybrid Concept With 40 Miles per Gallon AND V8-Like Power

Arriving after 2010, the S400 BLUETEC HYBRID with be available with a high-torque electric motor that works together with a V6 BLUETEC diesel engine to provide the performance of a V8 with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder. A total 265 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque is on hand – more pulling power than many conventional V8 engines – for zero to 60 mph acceleration of about 7.2 seconds, while the car is still capable of 40.5 miles per gallon (based on a European driving cycle) in highway driving. These figures are even more impressive when considering that the S-Class is a large luxury sedan.

The E320 BLUETEC is Here Now

Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled a version of its E320 BLUETEC, a diesel sedan that is available to California customers on a special two-year/24,000-mile lease through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. The E320 BLUETEC is lease-priced on par with its gasoline-powered sibling, the E350.

The special lease program is the first step in the company’s plans to offer consumers diesel alternatives in all 50 states. Late next year, the Mercedes-Benz M-, R, and GL-Class will be among the very few SUVs that can be sold in all 50 states. These vehicles will utilize AdBlue injection, a process that adds precisely measured quantities of urea into the exhaust stream that enhances long-term emissions performance sufficient to meet stringent BIN5 (50-state) standards.

California’s stringent emissions requirements have kept new diesel automobiles models off the California market for the better part of a decade. The new E320 BLUETEC changes all that.

Distinguished as “2007 World Green Car” by an international panel of journalists earlier this year, BLUETEC denotes state-of-the-art engine and exhaust technology which produces the cleanest diesels available on the market today. Utilizing this technology, the V6-powered E320 BLUETEC diesel is able to provide the low fuel consumption of a four-cylinder compact with the torque of a V8.

Diesels – An Ideal Solution

Mercedes-Benz USA, which has sold diesels here in the United States for 40 years, believes diesels are an ideal solution for today’s luxury car buyers because they yield a significant increase in fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or interior room. The E320 BLUETEC can go nearly 700 highway miles on a single tank of fuel.

“We’re breaking new ground here as we pave the way for the return of the diesel to California,” said Ernst Lieb, president and CEO of MBUSA. “BLUETEC is the most promising technology for customers who want to get up to 20-40 percent higher fuel efficiency without sacrificing the performance and the driving characteristics they’re used to.” According to Lieb, the California market plays a critical role in the comeback of the diesel: “In addition to being one of the top automotive markets in the world, California has tremendous influence. We know we have quite a few loyal diesel buyers there who have been waiting for the opportunity to get back into a diesel, but we also want to tap into a new group of buyers who are interested in making their dollar go farther without compromising performance or their personal style.”

Beyond their fuel efficiency, from an environmental standpoint, BLUETEC vehicles are the cleanest diesels available in the world today. Since diesels inherently burn less fuel than gasoline vehicles, they also produce significantly lower emissions of carbon dioxide (C02). Also, in BLUETEC vehicles particulate levels are reduced to levels comparable – or better than – that of gasoline-powered vehicles. Similarly, NOX emissions are reduced to meet the most stringent exhaust limits in the world.

The California lease program will function as a bridge as MBUSA prepares to begin phasing in 50-state BLUETEC vehicles nationwide starting in 2008. The first step will be the extension of the special lease program to other states which do not currently allow sales of new diesel automobiles in January 2008. Later in 2008, Mercedes will introduce another BLUETEC system on its M-, R- and GL-Class vehicles.

Suzuki Makai Concept

concept car, Suzuki

Suzuki Makai

Concurrent with the arrival of the 2008 SX4 Sport production vehicle, Suzuki further expands its highly popular and media-acclaimed Suzuki LIVE Series (LIFE VEHICLES) – a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers.

With spirited colors and a playful design, Suzuki's newest LIVE Series offering, the Makai concept, is based on the all-new 2008 SX4 Sport and has a dedicated open-car bodystyle for breezy fun-in-the-sun motoring - the perfect ingredient for an exhilarating driving experience. Fabricated and painted by Andry Specialty Vehicles of Torrance, Calif., the Makai's potential is fully realized with its comprehensive list of imaginative, high-style features.

From the ground up, its large 19-inch CEC wheels, wide Michelin Pilot sport tires, four-wheel disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors and Rotora calipers further enhance the Makai's wide, aggressive stance. Adorned with multi-step sunset orange paint, custom body kit, styled exhaust, and LED taillights and running lamps, the Makai's exterior is sure to turn curious heads.

Beachgoers and surf aficionados will enjoy the ride to the beach just as much as the beach itself with Makai's custom surfboard mounting rack and dual matching sunset orange trimmed boards. A shaved windscreen and targa rear hoop further enhances the Makai's sporty open-air look.

The Makai's al fresco cabin is complete with custom interior components, including ventilated, suspended seats in all four positions, high output, beach party-themed VeaLink audio system with MTX speakers and components, dashboard-integrated Garmin® navigation system, Kinetik Power Cell battery, StreetWires audio/video install kit and cabling, Momo Sport steering wheel and color-keyed interior accent lighting.

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