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google_ad_client=”pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot=”5591521468″;google_ad_width=300;google_ad_height=250; Designing small cars with the artisanship most automakers have reserved only their large, higher margin vehicles, Mazda could be viewed as a trendsetter in North America. Mazda has ahead of Ford and Chevrolet who are only now realizing the personality available in compact designs. Unafraid to be unique at the risk of disturbing conventional car buying habits, the Japanese auto brand continuing support of rotary engines as well as radical, forward-thinking production such as the Mazda MPV is a hallmark of their past. Introduced as the MINAGI Concept car at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March, the 2012 Mazda CX-5 will be newest exhibit of the small car specialist’s enterprising future.
Launching their new compact crossover CX-5 for the 2012 model year, the vehicle will become the showcase for a more philosophical expression for Mazda adapting two, new guidelines, KODO and SKYACTIV. Brought to life on the SHINARI Concept, Mazda’s KODO design language is fueled by the desire to institute natural, free-flowing forms in sheetmetal and glass. SKYACTIV is Mazda’s approach to creating efficient, fuel-efficient motoring across the spectrum of creation. Instead of focusing solely on a key piece of technology to achieve desired efficiency, SKYACTIV covers technologies relating to the powertrain, chassis and body construction prioritizing weight reduction as well as improved torque production at lower range driving.
A sleek, brilliant crossover vehicle, the Mazda CX-5 uses the KODO design language to call off a sporty physique. Mazda describes the MINAGI Concept/CX-5 stance as projecting the strength of a cheetah. The CX-5′s front end wears a modified grille grin characterized with chrome trim. Evident at the Geneva Motor Show, the MINAGI Concept’s production ambition was made perfectly clear.
The 2012 Mazda CX-5′s interior reflects top-class construction. Displayed on the MINAGI Concept in black with satin chrome accents, comfort and even luxury wraps the crossover vehicle’s cabin. Solid, milled aluminum door handles accompany the high quality look inside of the Minagi Concept. When the 2012 Mazda CX-5 is released, expect to see a more entry-level cabin made available on lower cost trim models. However, based on the competitiveness of the compact vehicle market, Mazda will need to maintain few compromises in planning the production CX-5′s interior.
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The 2012 Mazda CX-5 production crossover vehicle will be officially introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. For North American customers, expect the CX-5 to take the place of the Mazda Tribute compact utility vehicle. While Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology will be pivotal in selecting a fuel-efficient yet peppy powerplant, Mazda has not announced engine options for either the MINAGI Concept or the CX-5. Expect powertrain details to arrive close to its late 2011 to early 2012 release.
Information and photo source: Mazda Motor Corporation
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google_ad_client = “pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot = “5591521468″;google_ad_width = 300;google_ad_height = 250; Recently, MINI has been growing to accept a broader range of admirers. As the longer wheelbase Clubman arrived on sale in 2008, the most awaited promise for the past two years was MINI’s first ever crossover vehicle called the Countryman. Showing off their interpretation of four-door configuration and all-wheel drive, it appears that the Countryman’s positive initial reception has allowed MINI to weather concerns they might be losing touch with their brand’s true DNA. However, for fans of the two-door MINI cars, a 2011 concept to be presented at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit will provide a sight for sore eyes.
Deriving mechanics from the new MINI Countryman, the Paceman Concept is a design study contemplating a tantalizingly, athletic form sharing crossover utility in what they call “muscle car design cues”. Borrowing heavily from the Countryman S, the Paceman Concept projection integrates a similar front end intake setup and the rear diffuser. Distinguished with the two-door look featuring a sporty rear roof profile, designers behind the MINI Paceman Concept wants to emphasize a wider profile. Although the MINI Countryman retains the 70.4-inch width, the Paceman Concept involves a lowered roof line of about 0.8 inches and some mild side skirts in order to accomplish the desired illusion. MINI sport look is enhanced further by 19-inch custom wheels within the small confides.
Further blurring the categorization of modern all-wheel drive vehicles by calling their creation a Sport Activity Coupe, the MINI Paceman Concept is constructed to utilize front-wheel drive and MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive. Powering the MINI Paceman Concept, the John Cooper Works 1.6 twin-scroll turbocharged engine four-cylinder expels a meaningful 211 horsepower to allow this concept vehicle to step beyond its stationary aggression. Through an Overboost function, torque production extends up to a 207 foot-pound range.
Showcasing MINI traits such as the center-mounted speedometer, the Paceman Concept realizes a great sense of premium-quality sportiness. Instead of luring three adults into what would more than likely be a claustrophobic rear seating area, the MINI Paceman Concept adapts to an interior for four total passengers. Said to be an attempt to bring some of the front seat driving experience to the rear, individual back seats each feature their own armrests.
While the truck-based sport utility vehicle were originally quite prevalent in two-door body styles, the greater sales of four-door utility vehicles eventually caused manufacturers to see little value in developing two structurally different models of the same product. However, Land Rover has recently encouraged a revisiting the two-door utility concept with the 2012 Range Rover Evoque. Though MINI indicates the Paceman is a concept car, the vehicle appears very viable for a future production release.
With the 2012 Honda Civic Concept and the GMC Sierra All-Terrain HD already announced for debut early next month in Detroit, manufacturers conceptual license appears to be more grounded on production-ready design studies.
Information and photo source: MINI and Newspress UK
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google_ad_client=”pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot=”5591521468″;google_ad_width=300;google_ad_height=250; Over fifty years ago, the Cadillac badge was worn by some of the grandest land yachts. As the era of loads of chrome and tons of steel departed quite some time ago, it had been evident that the American luxury car brand Cadillac was extremely slow in adapting to a changing motoring climate. Foreign-derived luxury cars of BMW and Lexus demonstrated through the 1990s, the market’s standard of luxury is not justified with heavy cars.
The Cimarron and Catera were two poorly-executed vehicles as General Motors merely handed Cadillac some underpowered small cars. In those two attempts, the vehicles were based off already existing platforms and Cadillac failed terribly at hiding that fact. It wasn’t until 2002 that GM’s top luxury division finally achieved premium quality on a smaller vehicle. The Cadillac CTS proved that the division could at least build an exciting mid-sized luxury sedan and lessons seem to be paying dividends on the SRX crossover vehicle. Despite this success, the Escalade and DTS continues to weigh down the Cadillac division (figuratively as well as literally). At the Los Angeles Auto Show, a major contradiction to the Classic Cadillac image is showing American luxury and style in a concept car smaller than a Scion xD.
The Cadillac Utility Luxury Concept is a cutting edge design study investigating how an American-branded premium vehicle could be sculpted to accommodate the tightest city confines. Only 151 inches in length, this urban concept vehicle is 39.4 inches shorter than the Cadillac CTS. In prospective to previous Cadillac products, the Urban Luxury Concept can fit inside the wheelbase of a 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood Seventy Five limousine. Also 68.1 inches wide and 56.9 inches in height, it is worth noting in a historical standpoint the Utility Luxury Concept is actually not the smallest Cadillac ever conceived. Prior to 1909, Cadillac had built several chassis structures shorter than the 97.1 inch length of this late 2010 concept vehicle.
The super compact design of this Cadillac etches a great deal of cues found on the larger production vehicles belonging to the luxury division. A pair of sweeping roof A-pillars, the stacked headlights and the large grille are all Cadillac staples translating well on to the Utility Luxury Concept car. Certainly not a Cadillac design feature is the scissor doors conceived to assure better interior access with minimum obstructions. Completing the tightly concocted outer appearance, a set of 19 inch wheels enhances the side with a maximum presence of metallic surfaces.
Through well-proportioned packaging, four adults can sit inside the micro Cadillac. If individuals with claustrophobia are well weary of the small outer dimensions, a large front windshield and twin skylights radiate a healthy dose of natural illumination and a greater sense of space. A very efficient and non-obtrusive dash panel is part of a minimalist approach the designers explored inside of the Cadillac Utility Luxury Concept. Multi-touch switches, touch pads, an elegantly-crafted speedometer and a high-definition heads-up display are intuitive and accessible to the driver. When the rear seat is folded, a Orbit Baby SmartHub dock can also be found within reach.
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One of the smallest Cadillacs ever thought up by modern designers, the powerplant choice of this Utility Luxury Concept car rethinks the mechanicals of American luxury. Showing off a hybrid powertrain, a tiny turbocharged 1-liter, three-cylinder engine is the gasoline unit for the Cadillac Utility Luxury Concept. In what is defined as a gas/electric hybrid configuration, electric assist technology combines with a start/stop function which shuts off the gas engine off automatically at a stand-still. This unique Cadillac concept also incorporates regenerative braking and a dual-clutch transmission to optimize fuel economy. The Cadillac Utility Luxury Concept delivers surprising efficiency for a vehicles wearing the brand’s crest. According to the car’s designers, fuel mileage expectations is estimated at 56 miles per gallon city and 65 miles per gallon highway.
The Cadillac Utility Luxury Concept, inviting show car? Yes! Production reality? Not likely! As luxury car companies are confronted with the 21st century of automotive technology, we should be prepared to see some considerable changes to the mass of premium driving. Cadillac’s arch-rival Lincoln has already confirmed a B-segment compact car on the production horizon coinciding with several foreign luxury makers going small for big posturing.
Information and photo source: General Motors

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google_ad_client=”pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot=”5591521468″;google_ad_width=300;google_ad_height=250; Surprising many at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, Japanese automaker Subaru premiered an exciting new concept car giving observers a vivid peek at the brand’s next compact sedan. The Subaru Impreza Concept unearths a dynamic out-of-the-box view from the all-wheel drive specialist.
Motivated by the brand’s emerging brand identity as “Confidence in Motion”, Subaru asserts that this Impreza concept adapts a striking collection of shapes and textures which is yet evident in their production cars. ”Through “Confidence in Motion”, we will continue to establish the relationship of confidence with more customers and further strengthen our Subaru brand.” Ikuo Mori, President of Subaru’s parent company Fiji Heavy Industries Ltd. said at the Los Angeles Auto Show’s press conference.
A sign of a new dimension of Subaru design, the Impreza Concept’s exterior is quite a defining sculpture constructed with remarkable simplicity. Little less than an inch longer in wheelbase, the Impreza Concept is considerably lower than the existing Subaru Impreza. This concept sedan by Subaru is even 1.8 inches shorter in overall height than a 2011 Impreza WRX. Performance-oriented front and rear styling charges emotion into the vehicle’s potential handling prowess while the silky smooth side is intentionally purposeful. “Hawk-eye-style” headlamps glow within the hexagonal front end form. Wheel arches are placed to emphasize the Subaru all-wheel drive system which launches the Impreza Concept. Though largely original, Subaru has apparently borrowed a chapter from the 1990s Chrysler “cab-forward” design. On the Impreza Concept, Subaru has stretched the concept car’s roof front A-pillar and rear C-pillar to not only cast a more sporty, aerodynamic look but to improve interior space.
In regards to the Subaru Impreza concept’s cabin, seating is provided comfortably for four occupants on premium leather. Stylishly surrounded by blue piping and stitching, the Impreza Concept interior flow is focused upwards at a very luminescent dash panel. A multi-function center touchscreen controlling audio, navigation as well as vehicle information. The steering wheel integrates touch screen interfaces for what Subaru recognizes as stress-free use. Subaru’s advanced safety system aid called Eyesight uses sensors to alert driver of a collision or potential slow down the vehicle itself. Video through Eyesight Stereo Camera is provided via an in-dash monitor.
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Spotlighting a radical, new design, the Subaru Impreza Concept conceals a differing drivetrain from the current production Impreza. A normally aspirated, Boxer-style engine is found under the elegant hood. Fascinating enough only 2 liters in displacement, this flat-four powerplant is 0.5 liters smaller than the United States market’s base engine. Horsepower and other engine vitals were not revealed at the premiere of the potential Subaru. Mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), this Subaru Impreza Concept appears to be making a dedicated effort to supply peak fuel mileage. Despite the compact four-door concept car’s innovations, certain traditions continue to be upheld on the Subaru Impreza Concept sedan. Symmetrical all-wheel drive moves the 19 inch Subaru Impreza Concept’s aluminum rims.
Promoting a potentially new brand identity for future Subaru vehicles, we should not be surprised if the next production-based Subaru Impreza will strictly adhere to the framework of this concept vehicle.
Information and photo source: Subaru Global
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google_ad_client=”pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot=”5591521468″;google_ad_width=300;google_ad_height=250; Looks like they might be trying to go for the Hello Kitty-clad Japanese youth with this one. Regardless, Kia just released these images of their latest concept car – the Kia POP. The POP Concept is a 3 meter long minicar, sits three, and it’s powered by an electric motor. No surprise here, given the trend toward smaller and smaller cars nowadays. Now it’s just a matter of differentiating yourself from all the other “me toos” in the segment. I suppose that incredibly weird design helps it stand out (which Kia calls “innovative design chic.”) OK then.
One interesting thing to not about the car, however, is the odd name. Not just the fact that “POP” is a weird name for a car, but the fact that Kia is calling it the “POP” – notice the italicized “O”. That’s not a weird typo, that italic “O” is all over the press release.
Kia says they’ll be unveiling the POP Concept at the Paris Motor Show on September 30th. If people like it, looks for a much less interesting version to be on the streets, assuming this whole “microcar” thing catches on.
Check out the renderings below:
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Hyundai revealed their latest concept car at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show this week – the i-flow. Looking more like a design concept than anything, the i-flow also shows off some ideas about future propulsion technologies. Nothing new, of course, but it uses a diesel variant of Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive technology that we’ve been hearing about for so long. The i-flow uses a 1.7-liter twin-turbo diesel engine supplemented by a lithium-ion battery and six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The powertrain, along with the i-flow’s fluid aerodynamics helps the concept achieve a fuel consumption of only 3 liters per 100 km, or around 78 mpg. Ironically, that’s exactly the same fuel economy as Porsche claims for their 700+ horsepower 918 Spyder Concept.

Hyundai has also implemented new techniques to use heat as an advantage. The technique helps improve fuel economy and better retain energy by using a thermo-electric generator to capture the excess heat from the exhaust manifold and use it to power the electrical systems. The engine is also “thermally encapsulated,” meaning the engine reaches ideal operating temperatures more quickly by retaining heat when the car is idle. This helps save from 5 – 9% fuel economy.



Hyundai says they’ll be producing a new car in 2011 based on the i-flow’s “sleek styling and innovative technology.” Check out the photo gallery below:

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Alright, I’m calling your bluff, Porsche. Here they are at the Geneva Motor Show, and Porsche comes out with this fantastic new concept car. Looks like a Carrera GT supercar that got too close to the campfire and melted…but in a good way.

Porsche calls it the 918 Spyder Concept, and says it’s fit with a V8 engine good for 500 horsepower, plus three electric motors which increase that number by around 215. The engine sits in the middle where it should be, seats two, and works as a plug-in hybrid. Sounds all fine and dandy, right? Well, here’s where it gets hard to believe.

Porsche claims the 918 Spyder delivers 78 miles per gallon. Not gonna happen. Here’s the thing – with alternate propulsion, it’s tough to measure metrics like mpg fairly, especially when it comes to certain types of hybrids, which can run on electric power alone for a while. I commend Porsche for making the car – it’s very cool – but you can’t go spewing out numbers like that unless it’s real-world applicable. If I’m wrong about this, I’ll gladly eat my words.

Check out some more pictures below:

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At what was without question the best press conference of the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, Kia unveiled their newest concept car – the Kia Ray Hybrid Concept. The plug-in hybrid is a four-door but coupe-like body that uses lightweight and recycled material along with a roof-top solar panel embedded in the glass roof. The solar panel powers the lighting and climate controls much like the current Toyota Prius, and does not charge the vehicle’s batteries.

The Kia Ray was designed to break away from the current hybrid design trend, which makes everything look awkward. Glance at the Toyota Prius, Nissan Leaf, or Honda Insight and you’ll see they look very similar in shape; something Kia didn’t want to be a part of. Kia wanted to develop “something that you wouldn’t feel embarrassed driving, but actually feel proud to be seen in.” Airplanes were used in the design process for inspiration, Kia says, using the “less is more” rationale,designing so that everything is there for a reason. “The body side section has an uncommon curvature that gives the car a fuselage like appearance and increases aerodynamics. Rear fenders and spoiler slide back to improve the overall Cd at higher speed.” Typical concept features – motion-detecting cameras and front driving lamps that open up when the gasoline engine is being used – are present but will not likely be on a production model.



A new “cool car” technology is being used in the Ray Concept which includes nano-laminate films and cool-glazing material to reduce solar heat. The roof-top solar panels power an interior cooling fan to keep the inside from getting too hot.

The interior design of the Ray is sexy, using an open-air design and lightweight recycled materials. The sexy touch-screen instrument panel obviously won’t make it into production but is a great concept. The Kia UVO system is implemented into the car, giving owners a personalized “infotainment” experience. White leather and wool felt is used to create an “earthy” and open feel to the interior, and a honeycomb design is used throughout the cabin for strength, weight savings, and to tie the theme together. Mesh is used in the door inserts and seats and a lightweight alternative.





Powering the Kia Ray Concept is a 1.4-liter, 153 horsepower gasoline DI engine connected to a CVT. A 78kw electric motor powers the car when the gas engine isn’t needed. Low rolling-resistance 20-inch tires are fitted to the car, further increasing efficiency.

Kia says the Ray Concept can get 77.6 mpg in regular hybrid mode, and 202.3 mpg when in plug-in mode. They expect the car to have a range of 746 miles before you need to fill up, which is pretty damn good.

The Kia Ray Hybrid is more of a design concept than anything else, since the powertrain and technology offered don’t give us anything special. This is still important, since it proves you can have a good looking hybrid car that is still very aerodynamic. The Ray Concept’s coefficient of drag (Cd) is 0.25, which ties the 2010 Toyota Prius – the slipperiest car currently in production.

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