Kumho Fortis Concept

Created by tire manufacturer Kumho, the Fortis Concept is a study for a futuristic electric SUV. Among the features are the tires with adjustable tread pattern, body panels manufactured from recycled tire rubber and a modular chassis with four electric motors.

The tires feature metal biters in their tread that optimise off-road performance – when employed, it is primarily they that grip the terrain for maximum traction and durability. For on-road use, the tire cavity is inflated.

This expands the rubber areas of the tire to cover the metal biters, offering high levels of comfort, noise performance and road-biased dynamic ability. With this technology, one really can achieve the best of all worlds.

The drivetrain comprises four 100hp chassis-mounted motors – one powering each wheel when the vehicle is in 4-wheel drive mode.

This system provides ultimate off-road traction, ESP and hill descent, while the motor configuration allows for easy transition between 4WD, 2WD, FWD and RWD. The in-wheel regenerative braking system gives optimum on-road driving response.

(Car Body Design news)

Citroën Eco-Luxury Sedan

The Citroën Eco-Luxury Sedan is a design study for a futuristic luxury vehicle which features a 1+2 seating layout, an electric powertrain and a textured glass-roof. It was created by Coventry graduate Ankit Prashar.

As Ankit explains "The concept behind the project was to create a vehicle that could offer extravagant levels of luxury to its passengers and yet be sustainable”.

"The exterior design of the car provides a fresh take on the Citroen design language. The car has a unique shoulder line which takes its inspiration from the wing-structure of a bat. The front-end design is inspired by the double-chevron logo and gives a new meaning to the brand identity."

“The overall design gives a fresh interpretation to the long-wheelbase super luxury sedan segment.”

“Since most high-end luxury cars are chauffer driven and carry a maximum of two passengers at the rear, this seating layout provides better space and luxury to the rear passengers ensuring immense leg-room without increasing the overall length of the car”.

"The rear wheels of the vehicle are individually attached to the body. This enables the vehicle to have a flat floor bed on the rear which further maximizes the interior space,"explains Ankit.

Ankit Prashar is an Indian National who has recently graduated as an Automotive Designer from the Coventry School of Art & Design. He also undertook the 1st year of the course at I.E.D, in Turin, Italy.

His past experience includes a 15-week placement at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. He is currently looking for internship and freelance oppurtunities.

Contact Details

• Email: ankitprashar@gmail.com
• Web: www.coroflot.com/ankitprashar
• Mobile: +91 99100 27535

(Car Body Design news)

2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Notable features on this new midsize sedan include standard all-wheel drive and a standard six-speed manual transmission to go along with the all-new four-cylinder engine. A continuously variable transmission will be optional and Suzuki also announced plans to release a hybrid version of the Kizashi.

In terms of size, the Kizashi is slightly smaller than a Hyundai Sonata. A wheelbase of 106.3 inches means the Kizashi is about 3 inches short of a Toyota Camry. The Suzuki is also slightly shorter in overall length, but nearly as wide as most of the sedans in the class.

Interior features will include a standard keyless ignition, Bluetooth connectivity and an optional 425 Rockford Fosgate audio system. Sales are expected to begin late this year.

(Inside Line news)

Kia VG sedan

Kia Motors has released the first renderings of its new premium sedan - codenamed 'VG' - with an exterior design based on the new principle of 'sophistication by simplicity'. It will go on sale at the end of the year and will replace the Opirus/Amanti model.

The new model, currently known by its code name VG, was shown in concept form (KND-5) at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year and is set to replace the existing Opirus model (known as Amanti in North America) in Korean, North American and European markets.

Hyoung Keun Lee (Senior Executive Vice President and COO of International Business Division at Kia Motors Corporation) commented: “VG clearly demonstrates the next stage in Kia’s design evolution and showcases our new design principle of ‘sophistication by simplicity’. The exterior is a seamless blend of powerful front, sleek profile and sophisticated but simple rear lines to create an elegant and luxurious appearance.”

(Car Body Design news)

Chevrolet Agile

GM Brazil has unveiled the official sketches of the 2010 Chevrolet Agile, a new hatchback model based on the Project Viva and inspired by the 2008 GPiX Concept. It will be produced in Argentina and will go on sale in Brazil within 2009.

GM Brazil Design Director, Carlos Barba explains: "Our task was to make a car for demanding Brazilian customers. A bold design is essential, as well as internal space and versatility which can attract multiple customer profiles."

The project is the result of the Project Viva $400 million investments, for the development and production of models in GM's factories in Argentina and Brazil.

(Car Body Design news)

Ferrari 458 Italia

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Ferrari has officially revealed the 458 Italia, the new mid-rear engined berlinetta that will debut at the next Frankfurt Motor Show. The aerodynamic design by Pininfarina is combined with a 4.5 liter V8 engine that delivers 570 hp and a new aluminum chassis.

The new Ferrari 458 Italia is defined by the Italian carmaker as "a massive leap forward from the company's previous mid-rear engined sports cars."

The 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics.

"The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known. For this reason Ferrari chose to add the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders."

V8 90°

Maximum power 570 CV (425 kW) @ 9000 rpm - Including 5 CV of ram effect

Maximum torque 540 Nm (398 lbs/ft) @ 6000 rpm

Maximum speed >325 km/h (202 mph)

Fuel consumption 13.7 l/100 km - Combined cycle (ECE+EUDC)

Emissions 320 g CO2/km - Combined cycle (ECE+EUDC)

Dual-clutch, 7-speed F1

(Car Body Design news)

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce has released technical details about the upcoming Ghost model which will be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It will be powered by a new 6.6 liter turbocharged V12 engine capable of 563 hp and coupled with a 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The car previously known as Project RR4 is based on the Rolls-Royce 200EX design study presented at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Rolls-Royce has already confirmed that the Ghost will ride on an intelligent four corner air suspension system using multi link aluminium front and rear axles.

The engine, exhaust and even tyre noise have been engineered to be inaudible as far as possible, both internally and externally.

Customer deliveries of Ghost in Europe will begin late in 2009 with pricing from £165,000 excluding taxes and delivery charges.

Customer deliveries in other markets including the USA and Asia Pacific region will begin from the second quarter 2010.

No. of doors/seats: 4/5

Length: 5399 mm / 212.6 inches

Width 1948 mm / 76.7 inches

Height: 1550 mm / 61 inches

Wheelbase: 3295 mm / 129.7 inches

Engine: new 6.6 litre turbocharged V12

Gearbox: 8-speed ZF

Power output: 563 bhp / 420 kW / 570 PS @ 5250 rpm

Max torque @ engine speed: 780 Nm / 575 lb ft @ 1500 rpm

Top speed: 155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically governed)

0-60 mph 4.7 seconds (4.8 seconds North America)*

0-100 km/h 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds North America)*

Ghost pricing (excluding taxes and delivery charges):

• UK: £165,000
• Europe: Euro 213,000
• North America: US$245,000
• Rest of World: US$250,000

(Car Body Design news)

Mark Wahlberg celebrity interview & lap - Top Gear - BBC

SV 9 Competizione

Image Galery

SV Motor Company has revealed the SV 9 Competizione, a sportscar based on the Corvette C6 that mixes design elements from the Alfa 8C Competizione and from American muscle cars. It will be produced in 1,000 units with a price of $99,995.

Among the main highlights are the carbon-fiber bodywork, Pirelli Pzero Rosso tires, new exhaust system and a 0-60 mph time of 4 seconds.

(Car Body Design news)

Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Edition

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The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition was unveiled at the Comic-Con in San Diego.

The package includes the black rally stripes, the Autobot shields on driver and passenger side panels, on the wheels' center caps and embroidered on the interior center console, and the Transformers logo, which is featured the doors sill plates and on to the hood rally stripes.

Given the success of the blockbuster movie, it was almost inevitable that GM should release this package.

As Karen Rafferty, product marketing director, Chevrolet, commented: "When the first Transformers movie was setting box office records, we had countless customers asking to purchase the 'Bumblebee' Camaro."

TheChevrolet Camaro Transformers Editionpackage is available for $995.

(Car Body Design news)

Grand Bentley

Bentley Director of Design and Concepts Dirk van Braeckel speaks about the design of the upcoming Grand Bentley while sketching the main lines of the car.

(Car Body Design news)

2010 Audi R8 V10

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro (which is Audi-speak for the R8 V10) will begin hitting authorized Audi dealerships in the U.S. this week and will cost $147,200, including destination charges.

That's $31,800 more than the V8-powered R8 4.2. So figure that each extra cylinder will run you $15,900. Or it's about $303 more for each additional horsepower. The V10, similar to the engine that powers the Lamborghini Gallardo, makes 525 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. According to Audi that's enough to get the R8 5.2 to 60 mph from a standstill in 3.7 seconds.

It's not just performance that that extra $31,800 buys though. The V10 model comes with full-LED headlights, newly designed 19-inch forged wheels, larger air intakes, oval tailpipes and smattering of shiny-black trim.

The R8 5.2 comes loaded with magnetic ride control shocks, navigation with real-time traffic updates, Bang & Olufsen sound system, rear-view camera and power heated sport seats.

For perspective, that makes the R8 5.2 cheaper by about $30,000 than an Aston Martin DB9 or Bentley Continental GT. It's about $40,000 less expensive than a Ferrari F430 and $50,000 less than the R8's VW Group stablemate, the Lamborghini Gallardo. The Porsche 911 Turbo is a little cheaper, at $130,000.

(Car Body Design news)

Bryan Nesbitt, The New Cadillac General Manager

General Motors has announced that Bryan Nesbitt - currently vice president of GM North America Design will be General Manager for the Cadillac brand, effective 1st August 2009 and reporting directly to vice chairman Bob Lutz.

(Car Body Design news)

Parajet SkyCar

British Parajet has presented the Skycar, a street legal vehicle equipped with a parawing and rear propellers. It can take off at 37 mph and fly for 200 miles at speeds up to 100 mph. The company is accepting pre-orders with first deliveries planned for late 2010.

The engine, derived from the Yamaha R1, allows for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.2 seconds and a range of 400 miles.

In "Flight Mode" the 1,000 cc engine powers the rear-facing propellers which in combination with the "ParaWing" allow the SkyCar to take off at just 37 mph and in less than 200 meters.

The vehicle can fly up to 2,500 meters (8,000 feet). The wing shape is controlled via the pedals located in the foot well.

The chassis has been designed to take hard “landings” whether from flying or driving off-road. Conversion from “road mode” to “fly mode” takes just three minutes.

Parajet is currently accepting pre-orders with a fully refundable deposit of £10,000.

The projected price is £50,000 with first deliveries expected for late 2010.

For more information visit www.parajetautomotive.com.

(Car Body Design news)

Salon Prive

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The fourth annual Salon Prive luxury and supercar has been taking place at the Hurlingham Club in London.

(AutoCar news)

City Car Concept by Lotus

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Automotive Engineer magazine asked Lotus to design a vehicle that could evolve the city car concept into new directions, improving on models such as the Smart ForTwo and the Toyota iQ.

In just two weeks a team formed by Head of Design Russell Carr, technical director Simon Wood and vehicle architectRichard Rackham have come up with a series of sketches and basic layout ideas - about 10% of a concept phase in a normal project.

The resulting car is a compact - 3.7 inches shorter than a ForTwo - city vehicle capable of transporting up to four adults.

It features sliding doors and is powered by a 37 kW electric motor coupled with two blocks of four lithium ion batteries, each providing up to 50 km of range. The second one is an optional equipment which could be used during winter or for extra range.

(Car Body Design news)

Bugatti Bordeaux

According to the first unofficial information the new model, which should be named"Bordeaux" - will be an exclusive sporty sedan which would share Veyron’s W16 engine, capable of 1001 hp.

The first teaser images emerged over the net show the main lines that define the rear end, which is characterized by LED tail lights, and eight pipe exhausts.

The split rear window with the central third brake light - appears to be an homage to the legendary Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic and was also featured on the four-door EB112 Concept designed by Italdesign/Giugiaro in 1993.

The car could be unveiled at the next Frankfurt Motor Show to celebrate the brand's centenary.

(Car Body Design news)

MX5 vs Greyhound challenge - Top Gear - BBC

2010 Acura ZDX

These are the first official pictures of the 2010 Acura ZDX crossover, a vehicle you might remember from the 2009 New York Auto Show where it appeared as a concept.

As you can see, not much has changed. Acura calls its styling "provocative" and "segment bending."

Still, it's a big step for Acura as the ZDX is essentially a vehicle that will largely rely on its styling to entire buyers more so than sheer practicality or value. Not that it won't have plenty of either as the ZDX gets essentially the same drivetrain and interior as the new TL sedan. That means a 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) along with a well-trimmed interior stocked with the latest technology. Sales begin later this year.

(Inside Line nes)