February 2011 - Concept And Design Cars

XL1 Plug-in Hybrid Volkswagen Concept Car

XL1 Plug-in Hybrid Volkswagen Concept Car

The latest Volkswagen will unveil the 3rd and latest iteration by its roadster diesel-electric hybrid concept serial, the fresh XL1 Super effective Vehicle (SEV) at these week’s Qatar Motor demo, which runs by January 26 to 29. The latest 2011 Volkswagen XL1 Hybrid Concept are motivated by a diminished 800 cc TDI two-cylinder basic rail diesel engine breaking 48 HP.

Vision becomes reality – Volkswagen’s “Formula XL1”: Volkswagen XL1 prototype consumes just 0.9 l/100 km! Wolfsburg / Doha, 25 January 2011 - Future mobility is one of the most stimulating topics of our time. The key question here: Just how much could the energy consumption of cars be reduced if all the stops were pulled out for efficiency? There is now an answer to this question, and Volkswagen is delivering it in the form of the new XL1. Combined fuel consumption: 0.9 l/100 km. No other hybrid car powered by an electric motor / internal combustion engine combination is more fuel efficient.

Powering the Volkswagen Concept Car - XL1 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is a compact 800 cc TDI two-cylinder common rail diesel engine developing 47 hp. It's linked to an electric motor producing 27 hp, resulting in a total of 74 hp - a modest output yet more than enough when the low kerb weight of 1753 lbs (795 kg) of the vehicle is taken into account. The new Volkswagen Concept Car - XL1 Plug-in Hybrid Concept features an even more impressive design, plus it’s a plug-in hybrid that combines a 48 HP two cylinder TDI engine with a 27 HP E-motor, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG), and a lithium-ion battery. The battery can be charged from a conventional household electric outlet.

The Volkswagen Concept Car - XL1 Plug-in Hybrid Concept can drive 35 kilometers in pure electric mode and delivers a fuel economy of 0.9 liter/100 kilometers. While the profile is similar to the L1 concept, the XL1 has a more dynamic appearance, with a typical radiator grille, electrically controlled air intakes, new headlamps with LED technology, and fully covered rear wheels to prevent air turbulence.

Weight of Volkswagen Concept Car - XL1 Plug-in Hybrid Concept just just 795 kg or 1,752 pounds, thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials throughout including Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer parts for the body, magnesium for the wheels, ceramics for the brake discs and aluminium for dampers, steering system and brake calipers. Also equipped seven-speed DSG gearbox with an automatic clutch mounted between the diesel engine and eclectic motor. VW says the electric motor can either work independently of the TDI engine or in tandem when accelerating.

Apparition Rolls-Royce 2011 Concept Car by Jeremy Westerlund

Apparition Rolls-Royce 2011 Concept Car by Jeremy Westerlund

Dreamt up by one Jeremy Westerlund while studying at the Art Center school of design, the Rolls-Royce Apparition is a rolling trompe-l'œil that at once both reaches back into the automaker's history and extends into the future. Rolls-Royce Concept Car - 2011 Apparition Concept by Jeremy Westerlund has Clever design features abound, like the spare wheel secreted into the bodywork at the front like 1930s Rollers, an open cockpit for the driver and the twin rear windows that mirror the shape of the headlights. It’s like something out of a science fiction film, and a heck of a lot more interesting than some of the so-called concept cars Rolls-Royce has show in the past five years.

The idea blends classic design elements with futuristic ones, with mahogany wheel inserts and a shape that places the chauffeur out in the open like in vintage motor carriages, with the occupants coddled inside.

The design of Rolls-Royce Concept Car - 2011 Apparition Concept by Jeremy Westerlund is based around the old motor carriages that had a chauffeur sitting up front, exposed to the elements, with the passengers coddled inside. Like most contemporary Rolls models, the front is utterly dominated by the prominent grille and hood ornament.

The design is based around the old motor carriages that had a chauffeur sitting up front, exposed to the elements, with the passengers coddled inside. Like most contemporary Rolls models, the front is utterly dominated by the prominent grille and hood ornament. It features unique touches like real mahogany inserts in the wheels, and the imposing overall shape is long and low: the designer took his cues from sailing yachts, and even though the model is built to 1:4 scale, it's still nearly six feet long. If such an extreme example of fantasy ever became reality, it would measure 279 inches overall – that's over 23 feet, or about four feet longer than the Phantom.

ESFLOW Nissan 2011 Concept Car

ESFLOW Nissan 2011 Concept Car

The Nissan ESFLOW electric sports car concept isn’t scheduled to be unveiled until the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in just a couple of weeks. Nissan plans to reveal its new electric concept, called Esflow, at the Chicago Auto Show this year. The car will make its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show from March. The ESFLOW concept will be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show (3-13 March) where it will share the Nissan stand with a number of other innovative and exciting newcomers - but with one major difference: these are production ready.

Nissan has a reputation for creating some of the most exhilarating sports cars on the market. Nissan has also developed the world's first practical Zero Emission family car, the Nissan LEAF. Now Nissan has put that expertise together. It has captured the excitement of a sports car and the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle and blended them into one dramatic two-seater concept: ESFLOW.

It may be a concept, but the Nissan ESFLOW electric sports car proves it's possible to remain environmentally sympathetic without having to give up the joy of driving. It looks like a sports car, handles like a sports car and performs like one too. But Nissan Concept Car - 2011 Nissan ESFLOW Concept is different to every other sports car yet built: it's electric. Using technology pioneered in the award-winning Nissan LEAF, the EV concept shows that driving can still be as much fun tomorrow as it is today.

Ecological minimalism need not come at the expense of luxury. The cabin of the Nissan ESFLOW Concept is clean and open and weight saving has been a priority throughout its design, but it is still a comfortable and pleasant place to sit. By far the heaviest components in modern cars' interiors are the steel framed, thickly upholstered and increasingly motorized seats. In ESFLOW the seats are sculpted into the rear bulkhead of the car, negating the need for a heavy frame. This of course means that they are immobile, but this is of no consequence as the fly-by-wire steering and pedals adjust electrically to the best spot to suit each individual driver's size and preferred driving position.

Nissan Concept Car - 2011 Nissan ESFLOW Concept is rear-wheel drive and it runs on two motors. The car's graceful proportions allow the twin electric motors to be placed above the axis of the rear wheels, in a mid-ship position,. These motors independently control the left and right wheels, and so the torque is optimized to ensure outstanding vehicle stability and control as well as efficient power regeneration. The motors produce enough torque in an instant for it to reach a 100kph in under 5 seconds.

Power for the motors comes from the same laminated lithium-ion battery packs used in the Nissan LEAF, but in Nissan Concept Car - 2011 Nissan ESFLOW Concept the packs are located along the axis of the front and rear wheels. This centralizes the mass of the car, and thus its rotation point, close to the driver's hips. These cleverly positioned batteries enable the car to travel over 240km on one charge.

The colors of this Nissan Concept Car - 2011 Nissan ESFLOW Concept are inspired from glaciers, with highly reflective blue-tinted solidified liquid shapes. Even if this concept will not hit the production line too soon, it could be a great source of inspiration for Nissan’s future sports cars.

KV7 Crossover Kia 2010 Concept Car

KV7 Crossover Kia 2010 Concept Car

The latest 2010 Kia car maker company has unveiled new Crossover Concept leave have its creation and will world premiere at next month’s 2011 Detroit Motor Show. Aside from the teaser rendering you see pictured above Kia Concept Car - 2010 KV7 Crossover Concept, the Korean firm didn’t really reveal any details on the funky crossover model that features a set of Gullwing-style rear doors, but if you insist, we’ve added the press release.

This make another dramatic design statement with the world debut of an all-new, convention-challenging concept vehicle named “KV7.” Kia Concept Car - 2010 KV7 Crossover Concept.

The company has tagged it as a convention-challenging concept car, and certainly, those rear gullwing doors do capture the attention in a big way. The vehicle’s lines are reminiscent of the Soul’s, and it does look like a – rather – stretched version of the latter.

Vision ConnectedDrive BMW 2011 Concept Car

Vision ConnectedDrive BMW 2011 Concept Car

BMW officials have announced that they would bring to the Geneva Motor Show 2011 a concept called Vision ConnectedDrive. It is an efficient and technologically advanced roadster, not sacrificing anything in terms of driving pleasure. It is unclear whether the model is related in some way with rumors of a future BMW roadster, smaller than Z4, or is a natural development of the GINA concept, but the new model is said to predict the future appearance of the BMW series vehicles.

Official BMW representatives said: “In 2011 the automobile industry is celebrating the anniversary “125 yeas of the automobile,” reason enough to not only look back, but also to look forward. Connectivity is one of the key fields of tomorrow’s world. And of course, we at BMW are proud to be among the pioneers of connected driving: for example, with the first on-board internet access in 2008, the first iPod integration in 2004, or the first ultrasound-based park distance control PDC in 1991.”

“2011 is also the year in which we are setting course for the future. Initial insights are already available to you now in the Future Lab from BMW Concept Car - 2011 Vision ConnectedDrive Concept. Or soon right here, with an extraordinary vehicle concept cars, which will once again revolutionize driving in terms of comfort, infotainment and safety. Exactly as you have come to expect from BMW.”

Some rumors suggest that the model will have a “3D interface” that will relate to the driver, with a futuristic design. The second feature is visible and will go in the direction of future BMW models. Instead, it is unclear how much influence the future creation of the BMW model, since the differences between the current range and the concept presented in Geneva 2011 are quite large, which hampers a rapid transition.

The layered surfaces are enhanced with fiber-optic lighting effects that highlight the different functions and sections of the car. It certainly isn't possible to design a car like this with just a few pen strokes. And it is a remarkable and potentially trend-setting approach that is every bit as daring as the one taken by BMW design ten years ago with the X Coupe.

The windshield acts as the medium for a three-dimensional head-up display, and additional information is shown on the monitor behind the steering wheel. Tellingly, the layer that displays relevant driving information is christened the "safety layer," and it is fed by plenty of watchful sensors. A larger zone that also encompasses the passengers is called the "infotainment layer," and it offers movies, music, and internet access. Passengers also get their own display with nav and music info, which can then be sent to the driver’s attention at the press of a finger.

The design and technology of this spectacular roadster are aimed at making the vehicle an integral part of a networked world. Comfort, safety and the infotainment experience in the vehicle can be precisely optimized by the innovative functionality, individually tailored to suit the requirements of both the driver and passenger. New technologies and design concepts are employed to add even more facets to the unmistakable BMW driving pleasure.

Paceman New Mini Cars Mini 2011 Concept Car

Paceman New Mini Cars Mini 2011 Concept Car

Mini's model line is expanding at an exponential rate, and according to BMW's smallest division, the Paceman Concept will form the basis of its eighth production vehicle. Even if that's the case, nothing resembling the Paceman is going to beat either the Mini Coupe or Roadster to market, which are expected to hit dealers in late 2011 and 2012, respectively.

The MINI Paceman Concept is the first Sports Activity Coupé in the premium small segment of the market. The Mini Concept Car - 2011 New Mini Cars Paceman Concept study establishes a new category of car combining the fundamental MINI DNA - dynamic capability, individual design - and gives them a fresh twist with the help of cutting edge technology and an innovative new body concept. The MINI Paceman combines the classical MINI concept with the defining features of the MINI Countryman and the style of a coupe. The result is a MINI with visual 'muscle car' design cues, displaying its dynamic capability from every angle.

A new MINI design concept will make its debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) which will be held between January 10 and 23, 2011. The Mini Concept Car - 2011 New Mini Cars Paceman Concept retains the familiar MINI family frontal appearance but adds its own distinctive flavour. Large headlights with chrome surrounds extend deep into the front wings and, together with the distinctively contoured bonnet, emphasise the imposing nose of the Paceman. The radiator grille is essentially the same as that of the Cooper S Countryman barring additional air intakes in the bumper to deliver improved brake ventilation and the incorporation of new deep set fog lights.

From the side the Mini Concept Car - 2011 New Mini Cars Paceman Concept features a fresh interpretation of the front wing and side indicator that attracts the eye from the A-pillars down to the unique design 19 inch front wheels. This rugged and sturdy design element is complemented by dark wheel arch surrounds with matching side skirts that emphasize the masculine, sporting nature of Paceman.

The familiar MINI shoulder line that rises towards the rear of the MINI Paceman Concept also hints at its sporting intent. Less familiar is the glass and roof treatment. As the waistline rises the flat roofline flows into a wide C-pillar that appears to be transparent. The windows appear to wrap around the car like a band of glass with the roof 'suspended' on top and painted in a striking, contrasting colour. This is known as the 'helmet' roof. The coupé-style windows taper towards the rear and the whole effect is one of a dynamic wedge shape.

The MINI Paceman Concept measures 4,110 millimetres in length, 1,789 millimetres in width and 1,541 millimetres in height. In archetypal MINI style, the Paceman has extremely short front and rear overhangs to facilitate the familiar go kart driving responses.

The MINI Paceman Concept has been designed to allow the deployment of the most powerful engine currently available in the MINI palette. The MINI John Cooper Works 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine gives the MINI Paceman Concept the capacity to deliver the outstanding performance its appearance promises. This 16 valve, four cylinder unit develops 211 hp and generates maximum torque of 260 Nm (192 lb-ft), the latter value having the capacity to reach 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) in brief bursts thanks to the Overboost function.

Its MINI Countryman roots give this new MINI concept study an ideal platform for the MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel-drive system. ALL4 features an electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive which varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. In normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the drive is sent to the rear wheels, but in extreme situations as much as 100 per cent can be directed to the rear.

The Mini Concept Car - 2011 New Mini Cars Paceman Concept is, of course, also available in two wheel drive form but harnessing the power of the punchy four-cylinder engine in all-wheel-drive form offers an extra dose of driving fun through a traction-led, sporting expression of the agile handling for which MINI is famed.

Blackbird Tron Legacy Mercedes Benz Concept Car

Blackbird Tron Legacy Mercedes Benz Concept Car

Created for the 2010 Australian International Motor show, the new concept Mercedes Benz Sports Cars Blackbird Tron Legacy. At least, that's the abstraction abaft Peter Vardai's new Mercedes aggressive Blackbird abstraction car. The Mercedes Benz Concept Car - Blackbird Tron Legacy takes elements from airplanes, absorption on acceleration and movement with capacity aggressive by the TRON legacy. Maybe in the abutting cine the TRON aggregation can advancement the lightcycle and barter it in for a badass Benz.

Blackbird Tron Legacy Mercedes Benz Concept Car

New concept of Tron Lagacy in the shape of “Blackbird” a stylish Car. Paying tribute to the Mercedes-Benz, the Hungarian designer Peter Vardai invented a concept car called the “Blackbird”, which is built on the idea of speed and freedom of feelings towards the strengthening of the brand. Drawing its name from the fastest manned aircraft, Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the new car is equipped with a bow and lights to emphasize the sporty Mercedes.

Blackbird Tron Legacy Mercedes Benz Concept Car

Made in 2010, the Australian International Motor Show, Mercedes Benz Concept Car - Blackbird Tron Legacy inspired by the latest Hollywood blockbuster, Tron Legacy, just like Audi’s E-Tron concept. Moreover, the Mercedes Tron vehicle makes use of novel colors to suit the movie.

Bertone Pandion Concept 2010 Alfa Romeo Concept Car

Bertone Pandion Concept 2010 Alfa Romeo Concept Car

The name comes from the animal world (Bertone Pandion Concept), as Pandion Haliaetus is the scientific name for an Osprey: a sea hawk that nests and lives in coastal areas. The designers, led by Mike Robinson, have drawn inspiration from the wings of this predator to invent the spectacular door opening mechanisms, and from the hawks' facial markings to project the traditional Alfa family feeling into the next era of design.

Bertone Pandion Concept 2010 Alfa Romeo Concept Car

Bertone returns to the Geneva Motor Show 2010, after a two year absence from the international scene, unveiling a concept car that makes its world premiere here: the Pandion, an aggressive yet beautiful coupé designed as a tribute to Alfa Romeos’ one hundred year anniversary. The Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept: an extreme and controversial sports car in typical Bertone fashion. The size of the concept car (4620 mm in length, 1971 mm wide, 1230 mm high, 2850 mm wheelbase) offers a compact sports car external dimensions with a large sports car interior feeling. Bertone Pandion Design Sketchoffers a compact sports car external dimensions with a large sports car interior feeling, all powered by a 4.7 litre, 450 CV 8-cylinder Alfa Romeo engine.

Bertone Pandion Concept 2010 Alfa Romeo Concept Car

The designers, led by Mike Robinson, have drawn inspiration from the wings of this predator to invent the spectacular door opening mechanisms, and from the hawks’ facial markings to project the traditional Alfa family feeling into the next era of design. In almost a century of Bertone tradition, it is not the first time that natural wonders have inspired the names of concept cars. Just think of the Corvair Testudo (1963) and, by no coincidence, the Alfa Romeo Canguro (1964), Carabo (1968) and Delfino (1983).

Bertone Pandion Concept 2010 Alfa Romeo Concept Car

The design of the Pandion is based on a concept Robinson calls: "Skin & Frame” - a new interpretation of the inherent duality in the 100 year old Alfa Romeo logo. “Skin” refers to the snake in the logo, representing the world renowned Italian excellence in beautiful, seductive forms; and “Frame” refers to the cross in the logo, representing the mechanical excellence in high performance Italian race cars. The combination of the two has now become a dynamic dial searching for an ideal balance resulting from the tension between opposites: technology and sensuality, rational and emotional, architectural layout and sculptural form, structural and organic, industrial excellence and artisan excellence.

According to this interpretation, the vibrant energy in every Alfa Romeo is represented by Pandions’ spinal structure (or ‘Frame’), which crosses the length of the car from the V-shaped grille in the nose of the car to the V-shaped bumper in the tail of the car, crossing the interior as a visually aesthetic structural element which supports the surrounding shell (or ‘Skin’).

The Alfa Romeo Concept Car - Bertone Pandion Concept 2010 has the profile of a true sports car, with no room for compromise. The architectural layout is 'cab rearward', meaning the passenger compartment is positioned towards the rear of the car and the long bonnet pushes the car's visual centre rearward. The body side visually connects the sensuous front end with the razor-edged rear by means of an extremely long flowing side window which stretches from front wheel arch to rear, enhancing the excellent accessibility of this low-bodied sports coupé.

Bertone Pandion Concept 2010 Alfa Romeo Concept Car

Since sports cars are traditionally difficult to get in and out of, this important ergonomic activity has been facilitated with an extra wide door opening to make up for the low roofline. This new graphic formula not only adds a striking new visual division between the upper and lower parts of the body, but it also offers an incredible panorama window for passengers inside. The strong diagonal dark-light division in the rear of the side view accentuates the powerful rear wheel drive layout and draws special attention to the hidden door opening mechanism.

8c Competizione Alfa Romeo Concept Car

8c Competizione Alfa Romeo Concept Car

From Alfa Romeo Press Release. Daniele Bandiera, President of the Alfa Romeo Business Unit, presented an exciting concept car to the international press this morning. It is called the "8c Competizione" and it joins the other important novelties displayed on the Alfa Romeo stand at the 60th Frankfurt International Motor Show: the new Alfa 166 (also having its world preview), the Alfa GT, the new 156 and Sportwagon, and the GTV and Spider models with their recently revamped styling and features.

8c Competizione Alfa Romeo Concept Car

Designed and developed at the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, this prototype will become a true brand icon, evoking a great sports car tradition of which the name is part. In the Thirties and Forties, the '8c' signature that returns here, identified the racing and road cars that were equipped with the new eight cylinder engine developed by the famous engineer Vittorio Jano. The term 'Competizione' on the other hand, is a tribute to the 6C 2500 Competizione, the sports coupé driven by Fangio and Zanardi in the famous Mille Miglia race in 1950.

So 'Alfa Romeo Concept Car - 8c Competizione' is not an invented name, but a clear reference to Alfa's racing history. And of course the Alfa Romeo legend was created to a great extent by the victories its cars achieved on race courses all around the world. There were so many of them that alone they represent a long, fascinating chapter, made of men and competitive spirit, engines and cutting edge technical ideas. The protagonists of the inestimable human and technological heritage that is responsible for today's beautiful cars, full of character and, above all, capable of combining the beauty of the styling with the pleasure of driving them.

8c Competizione Alfa Romeo Concept Car

Let us admire then the captivating, original lines of this carbon fibre 2-seater, and its extremely generous measurements: 1900 mm wide, 4278 mm long and 1250 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2595 mm. The body is given extra dynamism by the horizontal furrow cut into the side above the front wheelarch.

In addition to this, the large tyres (245/40 - R20 at the front and 275/35 - R20 at the rear) and the powerful, muscular rear wings accentuate the impression the model gives of a strong, forceful personality. This does not detract in any way from the elegance of the lines that run smoothly from front to back, to the light clusters set into the integral bumpers. A stylistic balance that has its maximum expression in the daring design of the rear window that covers the rear and partially envelops the rear pillars.

8c Competizione Alfa Romeo Concept Car

The front elements have been repositioned as they were on the most important Alfa racing cars of the past - the 'whiskers' and shield are aligned at the same height - a decision of historical and evolutionary significance. But a rapid glance will reveal that the styling of the whole exterior is full of classical references, an ideal opportunity for a modern interpretation of traditional Alfa stylistic cues. For example, the front end recalls the former 33 Coupé Stradale, while the rear sports the characteristic round light clusters of the Giulia TZ.

It is difficult to be indifferent to the '8c Competizione' concept car, because it is the pure expression of Alfa Romeo's concept of the car. And with this new model, Alfa's stylistic language takes a further step forward. Compared to another concept car, the 'Nuvola', which also featured the shapes and surface treatment of the new Alfa Romeo aesthetics, the styling approach of the Alfa 8c Competizione enhances the brand's DNA with a modern hi-tech interpretation of the most famous designs in Alfa Romeo history.

8c Competizione Alfa Romeo Concept Car

Nor can we forget that the Alfa Romeo sports cars of past and present all share a particular feature: the ability to thrill even the most experienced drivers when they take the wheel. And the Alfa 8c Competizione is no exception. Suffice it to say that under the bonnet lurks a 4.2 litre V8 (90°) turbo engine with a volumetric compressor. This powerful unit delivers over 400 bhp at 7000 rpm and together with a 6-speed manual rear transmission, takes the prototype to a top speed above 300 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometres in just 4.5 seconds. This engine commands not only absolute performance and outstanding peaks of power and torque (over 45 kgm at 4500 rpm), but also smooth, effortless delivery even at low speeds. The result is a car capable of exciting performance, that is perfectly at home on everyday roads and not only on the racetrack.

The 8c Competizione combines this brilliant performance with extraordinary roadholding and the handling of a true thoroughbred. The merit goes to the dual wishbone suspension at front and rear, which ensures extremely enjoyable handling, combining the control you would expect of front-wheel drive with an exceptionally sporty drive and pinpoint response, which are particularly important on mixed routes. We must underline that Alfa Romeo chose rear-wheel drive on the 8c Competizione to support the exuberant engine and to deliver truly unbeatable emotions.