Pininfarina Nido EV Concept

During the celebrations for its 80th Anniversary, Pininfarina has unveiled the Nido EV Concept.

The Nido EV Concept is based on the 2004 Nido Concept and features a platform with a hybrid powertrain and a modular chassis that can be easily adapted to four different layouts, such as a compact pickup and a mini-van with both 2 and 2+2 seating layout and pure-electric or hybrid drivetrain.

The prototype adopts a tubular steel frame, while the final version will have an aluminium space frame.

The Nido EV is powered by a rear-mounted permanent magnet motor coupled with a Zebra Z5 Ni-NaCl battery, which guarantees a range of 140 km, a top speed of 120 km/h (limited electronically), and a 0-60 km/h acceleration in 6.7 seconds.

Additional information can be found in the official press release, reported below.

(Car Body Design's news)

BMW Concept Gran Coupé: design images

BMW has released a new set of images that document the development of the Gran Coupé Concept. The gallery includes a number of photos from the clay modeling process and design sketches that put into evidence the main styling elements.

To see the gallery Click Here!

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JAC Concept Vision IV

At the 2010 Beijing Auto Show Chinese carmaker JAC has presented the Concept Vision IV, a design study of a 5-seater Multi-Purpose Vehicle with a modern design that shows some similarities with the Opel Meriva. Among the features is the roof with solar panels.

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BMW Concept Gran Coupé

The BMW Concept Gran Coupé is a design study of a four-door coupé that combines a 5-meters length and a flat silhouette with the design elements typical of the brand's coupes, providing an insight into the design philosophy and development strategy.

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Ford Start Concept

At the 2010 Beijing Auto Show Ford will unveil the Start Concept, an eco-efficient compact vehicle that expresses the company's vision for the future of urban transportation in growing markets. Among the features is the 1.0 liter 3-cylinder engine and the use of advanced lightweight materials.

The Start Concept is powered by an all-new 1.0 liter 3-cylinderEcoBoost gasoline engine which delivers CO2 emissions under 100g/km.

The exterior design takes inspiration from the spirit of exotic sportscars from the past, such as the Porsche 356 Speedster and the Alfa Romeo Zagato SZ.

The interior design development was focused on offering passengers great visibility and a tactile analog experience, while reducing the number of total parts.

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Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break Concept

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the Shooting Break Concept, a show car that combines the design elements of a station wagon with the proportions of a coupé. It takes inspiration from the iconic CLS and gives some indications on the brand's future design direction.

The interior is dominated by natural wood and leather materials, and features four identical seats, upholstered with porcelain-coloured nappa leather combined with metallic-silver perforated leather inserts.

The powertrain adopts a new 3.5 liter V6 gasoline engine with direct injection, which produces 225 kW (306 hp) and 370 Nm and is in line with the BlueEFFICIENCY criteria.

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Citroën Metropolis Concept

Citroën has revealed the Metropolis Concept, a sleek luxury sedan concept car that pays homage to China's development. Designed by the company's Shanghai-based design team, the Metropolis will debut at the Shanghai World Fair in May.

Metropolis’ hybrid drivetrain utilises an optimised 2-litre V6 petrol engine and a 7-speed, dual-clutch electronic gearbox.

At low speeds, Metropolis runs in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mode, with its electric motor developing a continuous 55bhp (40kW), peaking at 95bhp (70kW).

At steady speeds on main roads and motorways, the petrol powerplant efficiently provides 272bhp (200kW) and 375Nm of torque.

When additional performance is required, such as during overtaking, the car uses both the electric motor and the combustion engine to deliver a maximum power output of 460bhp (345kW) and 430Nm of torque - equivalent to a 4-litre V8 petrol engine.

There’s also a four-wheel drive mode for when extra grip is needed.

(Car Body Design's news)

JAC IV Concept preview

At the 2010 Beijing Auto Show Chinese automaker JAC will unveil the IV Concept, a compact two-seater that could compete in the same market segment as the Smart ForTwo. Among the features are a dynamic design with a panoramic windshield and a hybrid powertrain.

(Car Body Design's news)

Lotus Evora Carbon Concept

The Lotus Evora Carbon Concept, introduced at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, is a special version characterized by the pearlescent white finish, exposed carbon fibre panels and motorsposts-derived elements.

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Audi A1 e-tron Concept

Presented at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the A1 e-tron is a Mega City Vehicle (MCV) with an electric powertrain, which extends the concept introduced with the first e-tron Concept and the e-tron Detroit Concept to the premium compact class.

The four-passenger, two-door MCV city car was designed specifically for use in the metropolitan areas of Europe and North America and in the rapidly growing megacities of Asia and South America.

The Audi A1 e-tron always drives on electric power (range of 50Km); an internal 254cc Wankel combustion engine is used to recharge the battery in isolated cases and increases the range up to 200 km.

The synchronous electric motor of the Audi A1 e-tron is mounted transversely at the front of the car. Its low mounting position has a positive effect on the vehicle's center of gravity.

Continuous output is rated at 45 kW (61 hp), with peak power of 75 kW (102 hp) available in short bursts. 150 Nm (110.63 lb-ft) of torque is continuously available, and peak torque is 240 Nm (177.01 lb-ft).

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Ferrari 599 GTB HY-KERS Concept

At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show Ferrari has presented the HY-KERS Concept, an experimental vehicle based on the 599 GTB Fiorano which features a hybrid powertrain with a 100 hp rear-mounted electric motor and reduces CO2 emissions by 35 percent.

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