Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupé SUV

With the Concept Coupé SUV, Mercedes-Benz is raising the standard to a new, higher level in literally multiple respects.
This extremely sporty study impresses as a typical representative of the long-standing coupé tradition at Mercedes-Benz, with a flowing side line, stretched greenhouse and striking radiator grille with central chrome louvre. At the same time the Concept Coupé SUV stands out with its muscular wings, large wheel arches, imposing 22-inch wheels, high beltline and generous ground clearance. Its dynamic handling on the road is also on a superior level. Not only thanks to air suspension, but also to the networking of the powertrain, suspension and interior that it realises. The variable dynamic control system "Dynamic Select Control" provides four
fundamentally different transmission modes and an individually programmable setup.

"Sensual as a coupé - visionary as an SUV," is the succinct choice of words used by Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz, to describe the physiognomy of the Concept Coupé SUV. The four-door, all-wheel drive Coupé has a length of almost five metres, and an imposing width of a good two metres thanks to its broad shoulders and flared wheel arches. At the same time it has a modest height of around 1.75 metres, exhibiting the flat, extended roofline that is typical of a sports coupé. "The Concept Coupé SUV stands out thanks to its extreme proportions and in doing so interprets our hallmark Mercedes coupé design idiom perfectly. With its superior sportiness it conveys a sense of modern luxury and aesthetic aspirations of sensual clarity", continues Gorden
Wagener.

Like the recessed door handles, frameless side windows blend perfectly into the vehicle flanks to accentuate the coupé-like character even further. In line with a tradition and like all recent study vehicles, the Concept Coupé SUV is painted in the "Alu Beam" paint finish, which is also reminiscent of the technically ground-breaking Silver Arrows of the 1930s and 1950s.

 The upright sports grille with single louvre, framed by the three-dimensionally designed modern, all-LED Multibeam headlamps, 
is the major feature of the front end with its short, stylish overhang. Soft cubes dominate the grille insert, and the forward-sloping bonnet with its typical Mercedes power domes underlines the membership of the Concept Coupé SUV in the line-up of particularly sporty Mercedes-Benz models. A discreet reference to the SUV genes of this study is provided by the harmoniously integrated, illuminated side sills, which are reminiscent of the running boards found on classic SUVs or off-roaders. Indicators have always pointed the way in the best sense of the word , however in the Concept Coupé SUV they take on a new form. The direction indicators operate with a moving digital light band whose lighting elements light up sequentially from inside to outside, indicating the change in direction in two ways.

Elegant rear end: in the style of the S-Class Coupé
The coupé-like nature of the Concept Coupé SUV is also emphasised by the
design of the rear end with its obvious elements of the design line first
presented with the S-Class Coupé, which will be followed by all coupé models
from Mercedes-Benz in future. The styling characteristics of this include the
slim band of rear lights with their ruby-like, three-dimensional look and the registration plate now incorporated into the rear bumper. Another feature that has for generations distinguished the large coupé models from Mercedes-Benz
is the typical shape of the rear window which is rounded off at the top.

A discreet SUV reference is made by the simulated underguard into which the tailpipes of the dual-flow exhaust system are integrated. Polished aluminium predominates here, as on the integral door handles, the side sills, the front air intakes and the edging of the greenhouse.





Wide, flush-fitted 22-inch wheels with tyres in size 305/45 R 22 make the vehicle sit squarely on the road, and leave no doubt about the passion of the Concept Coupé SUV : at very first glance this trailblazing study signals its sporty, dynamic ambitions.

Haute Couture: the Mercedes-Benz coupé range Developing and creating new model families and vehicle classes has traditionally been one of the strengths of Mercedes-Benz, the inventor of the
automobile. This is particularly obvious in the history of its coupés, and most especially in the very recent past. Models such as the four-door Coupés or the Shooting Brakes in the CLS-Class have not only created completely new vehicle classes, but have also had a lasting influence on the model policies of different manufacturers, found numerous imitators and proved to be an outstanding
sales success. The same can be said of the CLA-Class, which has been able to transfer the success of the CLS into the compact class and is also extraordinarily popular with customers. With the Concept Coupé SUV, Mercedes-Benz is now taking a similar approach. The study follows this coupé
theme within the SUV sector consistently and demonstrates how a four-door, all-wheel drive series production coupé might look.

Concept Coupé SUV - pilot project for new SUV worlds
As a compact all-rounder, the GLA has already translated the suggestion of a
coupé-like design idiom into an SUV format, thereby giving indications of a
new SUV line from Mercedes-Benz which the Concept Coupé SUV now fully
brings to perfection. With this concept car, Mercedes-Benz is announcing the
possible expansion of the previously uniform SUV off-roader family.



source: Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupé SUV

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Rinspeed presents the future of autonomous driving: The "XchangE"

Autonomous driving is set to become reality in the near future. While the major automakers are putting the finishing touches on the technology, the Swiss idea factory Rinspeed puts man at the center of the autonomous car. At the 2014 Geneva Motor Show Rinspeed presented the "XchangE" study to the public in a world premiere. It demonstrates how cars will ‘move’ us just a few short years from now, in both senses of the word. 

Frank M. Rinderknecht describes the status quo like this: “So far hardly anyone has taken this to its logical conclusion from the perspective of the driver. After all, traveling in a driverless car will no longer require me to stare at the road, but will let me spend my time in a more meaningful way.“ 

And then he poses the key question: How will the interior of a vehicle have to be designed to let the now largely unburdened driver make optimal use of the gain in time?

The Swiss company provides the answer with an all-electric touring sedan by the name of “XchangE”. In best Helvetic tradition it was engineered by 4erC and built at Esoro. The vehicle features all-new seats reminiscent of the relaxing business-class seats of major airlines. The basic idea behind the seats that offer a host of adjustment, tilting and swiveling options comes from Otto Bock Mobility Solutions, arguably the most renowned manufacturer of medical prosthetics worldwide. This results in more than twenty possible seating arrangements - a world record. The futuristic TRW steering wheel with hands-on recognition, drive-mode-manager display in the rim and transparent multifunction keys with ambiance lighting can simply be “parked” in the middle of the instrument panel together with the innovative lightweight steering column with bionic design from Georg Fischer Automotive. This feat is made possible by the multi-redundant “steer-by-wire” technology developed by Swabian Company Paravan, similar to what can be found on modern jet aircraft. It is therefore no wonder that the smart automotive visionary with a wink negates the famous advertising slogan that has become a popular phrase: “Not even flying is better from now on!”

Passengers will be able to assume virtually any seating or resting position when traveling in a fully autonomous vehicle in the future, which will require a completely new operating and display concept. It is supplied by infotainment specialist Harman. The new concept uses the manufacturer’s all-new next-generation scalable infotainment platform, which is based on HTML5 and provides comprehensive protection against hacker attacks. In the “XchangE” it offers numerous functions for navigation, entertainment, assistance and services that are displayed on a total of four screens. A 1.2-meter-wide display strip in the steering-wheel support provides important information in wide-screen format. A 32-inch 4K monitor in the rear transforms the “XchangE” into a highly comfortable on-demand UHD movie theatre on wheels. It is controlled with simple gestures. 

Of course the “XchangE” is also fully networked with the outside world. The in-car consolidation of real-time sensor data that is crucial for “Car2X” communications is handled by the infotainment system, which communicates with the Cloud via an integrated LTE module. Deutsche Telekom and its fast LTE network provide the secure data transmission. All incoming vehicle data - from the Harman infotainment system and other vehicle systems - are compiled and analyzed on a standardized “Business-to-Car” platform of Deutsche Telekom. The intelligent links to numerous other online data sources thus create travel-specific Cloud services such as warning messages or recommendations on route and driving profiles, which are available to all road users in real time. The more vehicles and service providers are networked via the manufacturer-independent “Business-to-Car” platform, the more everyone traveling by car benefits from added safety and convenience.

An intelligent access control system that uses RFID technology to identify the authorized driver or drivers switches on the essential functions of the “XchangE“. It comes from the parts portfolio of forklift manufacturer Linde Material Handling. As on the company’s forklifts and other materials handling equipment, the technical signals from the sensors and the vehicle control system are compiled by the “connect:” data-logging unit and transmitted continuously to the Cloud via the T network. The software of the “connect:” unit makes it possible to analyze all operating data and generate reports, for example for fleet operators.

The avant-garde interior concept developed by Strähle+Hess ensures a unique feel-good atmosphere. It is made of textiles whose blue and gray gradations create a maritime flair. These calming colors reinforce the relaxation effect while traveling in the “XchangE”. The focus of the textile development was in particular on the touch and feel of the fabrics, and the raw materials were selected to individually tailor their          characteristics to the various comfort zones. Natural resources such as Merino wool and  silk were also used, which were processed by Schoeller spinning mill from Bregenz,    Austria. As a result there are intelligent yarns in the intelligent car.

The revolutionary Plexiglas roof from Evonik Industries ensures a striking appearance. It features “Radiant” surface coating and shimmers in all colors of the rainbow. 358 individually controlled LEDs in the “EndLighten” headliner and another 98 in the instrument panel create an individual feel-good atmosphere. This innovative LED technology was supplied by Swiss Company Weidmann Plastics Technology. Numerous additional Plexiglas elements in front and rear fascia, rocker panels and rear spoiler, which were all created by refinement specialist Mansory, are also supplied by Evonik chemicals group. They were processed and hardened and tempered by KRD in Geesthacht before being mounted using adhesives and sealants from Sika. A high-end PTC heater from Stuttgart-based system partner and source of inspiration Eberspächer ensures cozy warmth.

Towering above everything in the moveable steering column is the world’s arguably most expensive watch winder. Swiss watchmaker Carl F. Bucherer has implanted its Patravi TravelTec wristwatch in a transparent globe. When the car is stationary, the globe spins driven by an electric motor and in the process winds the mechanical watch movement!  Crazy, playful, but somehow also ingenious and wickedly expensive. 

The “XchangE” - as a Tesla evolution - is sitting on 20-inch Borbet highest-quality alloy wheels with glistening “Reflectic” finish is a true eye-catcher. However, Swiss Company Regus Management and Research focuses on the more “inner values” of the “XchangE” as an office on wheels. The specialist for office rental maintains 1,800 locations in more than 100 countries and develops new business opportunities. The company definitely sees potential for using the “XchangE” as a mobile office and traveling conference center. For this conclusion it can draw upon a study by Düsseldorf-based consulting agency A.T. Kearney Consultants, which examined the changes to the digital society that will be affected by autonomous driving in the future.

You can read, listen to music, surf the web, play games and watch movies in brilliant picture and sound quality. Or you can hold a four-party meeting at 120 km/h and work on your files while brewing a fresh cup of Italian Amici espresso. The creators of the “XchangE” are certain that autonomous driving will actually make individual travel even more attractive compared with traveling by train, plane or long-distance coach. As Rinderknecht puts it: “I am given free time that I can use for myself anyway I please, while the sensor systems and the connectivity chauffeur me safely and reliably to my destination.”

source: rinspeed.eu ; foto: caricos.com

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The next BMW 7-series: Vision Future Luxury concept

The BMW Vision Future Luxury concept has been revealed at the Beijing motor show. The new concept's key exterior styling elements, contemporary interior design touches, lightweight carbonfibre construction and innovative lighting systems will likely be incorporated on next year’s sixth-generation 7-series. The new saloon is described as a showcase for future BMW models. But while initial speculation suggested the Vision Future Luxury pointed at a possible 9-series flagship model to be installed at the top of the German car maker’s line-up, BMW officials have confirmed the new concept was created more specifically as a pointer to the next 7-series, which is due to head into UK showrooms late next year.   

The exterior styling of BMW’s latest concept car shows hints of the Gran Lusso Coupé that was wheeled out at last year’s Ville d’Este concourse in Italy, but in keeping with the up-market positioning of the 7-series its overall appearance is much more formal.

An oversized kidney grille, heavily structured facia and slim line headlamps dominate a bold front end, while a more elegant looking rear is distinguished by a heavily angled rear window, comparatively short boot lid, and uncharacteristically shaped tail lamps.

The conceptual nature of the Vision Future Luxury’s exterior is further reflected in the flanks, which receive BMW’s latest air breather aperture behind the front wheel arches, a prominent shoulder and traditional Hofmeister kick within the trailing edge of the rear side windows.

The sides of the BMW concept are supported by a carbonfibre inner structure in a move that allows the front seats to form part of the load bearing structure. This latter treatment is thought to hint to an innovative construction process that will see the new 7-series receive lightweight carbonfibre body sides similar to that used by its i-brand models as part of an effort to provide the new luxury class saloon with a significant reduction in kerb weight.

Pillarless doors are used front and rear. But while the front doors boast conventional front hinges, BMW’s design team has endowed the Vision Future Luxury with rear-hinged coach-style doors up back to ease entry to the rear, which accommodates two deeply countoured individual seats.

As with the exterior, the four-seat interior is highly conceptual in nature. However, BMW says the displays, with their three dimensional graphics, basic architecture, including flowing centre console and materials, among which is a combination of brush aluminium and wood, will be reflected on future models, including the new 7-series.
Also hinted to on the new concept is touchscreen operation, a further developed head-up display unit with real-time information and a new iDrive controller. Among the lighting technology BMW is hinting will appear on the next 7-series with the Vision Future Luxury are state-of-the-art laser headlamps and OLED (organic light emitting diode) tail lamps – the former of which are set to appear first on the German car maker’s upcoming i8.

Source: netcarshow.com

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Volkswagen T-Roc Concept

Volkswagen’s all-new utility vehicle could be its smallest, burliest yet - smaller concept cars watch out. It flosses a number of crazy-cool exterior treatments, like a convertible middle section to its roof that can be removed and stowed in the hatch, and a handful of spotlights and cameras that feed into a large removable touchscreen tablet display mounted in the center console. 

Under the hood is VW’s most advanced 2.0L turbo diesel mill and 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and in the cabin features include rugged, non-slip surfaces all around, low-profile dashboard and leather trimmed steering wheel and seats.

Source: europeancarweb.com

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Biofore - biobased concept car

A concept car designed to be a futuristic and street-legal vehicle which uses renewable biomaterials was unveiled at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show.

The Biofore concept car is a joint production by UPM and the Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.Various parts of the concept car were made from UPM’sbiobased materials – the UPM Formi biocomposite and UPM Grada thermoformable wood material. These materials will improve the overall environmental performance of the car, without compromising quality or safety, according to the company. The concept car will also be fuelled by UPM BioVerno wood-based renewable diesel. UPM Raflatac label materials will be used to mark spare parts as well as in the interior and exterior design of the car. In addition to UPM and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, several other partner companies and the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation are involved in the Biofore concept car project.

Source: upm.com/environmentalleader.com

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Hyundai PassoCorto concept

PassoCorto has a very sporty profile. A concept car wîth a technical but evocative name, intentionally requested to be in Italian by the Hyundai Design Center Europe as a tribute to the Made in Italy design that is studied at the IED. PassoCorto, the tenth full scale model created by Istituto Europeo di Design of Turin, is a sports car, extremely compact in size. Designed by the Master in Transportation Design - work experience IED Turin - a.y. 2012/13 in collaboration wîth Hyundai, it will be revealed in world preview at the 84the International Geneva Motor Show.

The Korean car manufacturer gave to the Institute a design brief wîth its target potential customers being those born between the eighties and the early years of this millennium: the young people who are always connected, those of 2.0, known as generation Y. This very target market also includes the students on the Master's asked by Hyundai to draw and design 'the car of their dreams', one that would be top of their list for buying and driving. The car designers therefore put themselves into the shoes of automotive professionals and also the potential purchasers of their own design. This is how the PassoCorto was created, in a year - 2014 - that, in addition to the tenth full scale model, will also see the Institute celebrate 20 years of the Transportation Design course and 25 years of activity in the region.
PassoCorto (length 4100mm - width 1880mm - height 1160mm – wheelbase 2450mm) - whose name itself already expresses all the character of the car, recalling its compactness and lightness - is a twoseater sports car wîth rear-mid engine. The interiors are designed to have two cockpits wîth integrated instruments clearly divided by passenger and driver; the seat is optically connected to the dashboard and the backrest is cut directly out of special niches in the frame. The model was designed to have a carbon fibre monocoque chassis, thereby ensuring the car is as light as possible (the target weight was 840 kg). On the road, it would be powered by a 4 cylinder inline bi-turbo engine (1600 cc) of 270 CV. In general, the concept lines are dictated by the wheel arches, which simulate crab claws and envelop the extremely streamlined central volume of the bonnet and the cab. The front and rear are completed wîth significant aerodynamic elements, while the roof has a graphical setting that integrates the engine air inlets while a video camera acts as a rear view mirror and records high resolution videos to be shared wîth fiends on the web. The exhaust pipes, which come out of the top part of the car, allow for a 'clean' rear and are a characterising element of the design of the whole car. The livery dazzles in orange, which is reminiscent of the 1970s sports car traditions that made the history of great Italian car makers. 
PassoCorto is the work of sixteen students on the Master's course coordinated by Luca Borgogno, Lead Designer Pininfarina. The concept is the result of a process marked by various assessment stages, simulating a real working situation. All the students submitted their own proposal; the two that were best able to respond to the initial brief were selected and 'merged' together into the final version which combines approximately 70% of one proposal and 30% of the other. The entire class in fact created a core working team in order to create a well-integrated model of the two final versions in line wîth the concepts expressed by the scale models, completing as a group the full scale concept.

Source - Istituto Europeo di Design

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Škoda Vision C

The highlight of Škoda's appearance at Lac Leman this year will be to present the spectacular 'Škoda VisionC' design study, wîth which Škoda's dynamic model & design development of the last few years moves into the next stage. The next evolutionary step of Škoda's design language underpins the dawn of the brand. During the course of the most comprehensive model campaign in corporate history, Škoda is renewing and broadening the entire range of models. The design of Škoda cars is playing an ever more important role and shows the brand's emotional vibrancy and power. The design language of the dynamic and elegant five-door coupé is taking the leading role in the next evolutionary steps: Škoda's design is becoming more expressive, dynamic and emotional. At the same time, the five-door coupé study shows the possibility of innovative body concepts.

Source: Škoda's web

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Toyota FT-1 Concept

The FT-1, set to debut at the North America International Auto Show, is not a "real car," but a "concept car" -- a three-dimensional frenzy of winks and side glances, sucking scoops, and brutal downforce-generators, all peeking at us from behind a curtain where the future is being created. It's the essence of a potent potential new sports car that's for now an instant of bodywork turbulence, shock-frozen in fiberglass. Unlike the Supra, the FT-1 has racing fingerprints all over it. The wind is shat- tered by a prow dominated by a Formula 1-inspired beak. Consequently, the radia- tor's air is divided between twin shark-like mouths, each stuffed with electric fans sitting atop angled splitters whose shape is repeated higher up via streaking light signatures that fishhook around intense, triple-LED headlights.

Source: http://www.motortrend.com/future/concept_vehicles/1403_toyota_ft_1_concept_first_look/#ixzz2wyi4OHsm

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Honda Vision XS-1 Concept

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. exhibited the world premiere of the Honda Vision XS-1 at the 12th Auto Expo 2014 held at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, Úttar Pradesh, India.
The Honda Vision XS-1 is a creative study model which embodies Honda's vision for the future of manufacturing. Based on Honda's original M/M (man maximum, machine minimum) concept*, the Honda Vision XS-1 fuses together two different values, a sporty exterior styling and amazing spaciousness, in the compact body. Furthermore, based on the Honda design concept, 'Exciting H Design,' Honda's human-centered design concept was embodied in this model.
The Honda Vision XS-1 was designed to represent Honda's creativity in designing compact vehicles for a market expanding globally. Although there is no mass-production plan for this model at the moment, Honda chose to exhibit the world premiere of this model in India, a rapidly growing market where Honda has strong ties.



Source: http://www.conceptcarz.com/z23612/Honda-Vision-XS-1-Concept.aspx

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New Audi TT

Audi promised us that its Allroad Shooting Brake concept from Detroit foretold the next-generationAudi TT. It didn't lie. Ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, Audi has released several design sketches of the 2015 TT, and aside from losing the two-box design and taller Allroad ride height, the concept looks to be a dead ringer for the production car. If you love the roofline of the first-generation TT, then you'll love the latest car's rounded roof, although the rest of the design has evolved towards a boxier, more aggressive look. The sketches also show a new take on Audi's signature LED headlights that are mirrored in the taillights. There are still a couple more weeks before we'll see the third-generation TT, but we're already dreaming about how this car will look in RS guise.


Source: http://www.roadandtrack.com/go/future-cars/future-car-news/audi-tt-gets-concept-styling

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Nissan Sport Sedan Concept - SSC

Nissan calls it the SSC, for Sport Sedan Concept, but you can just call it a preview of the next Maxima (the so-called "four-door sports car"). Officially, the SSC is a design exercise intended to demonstrate the next generation of Nissan design, but expect the new Maxima to be a toned-down version of this car. 



A number of current Nissan styling cues can be seen in the SSC, but with futuristic twists. The boomerang headlights and taillights are still there, but they're much more exaggerated and full of LEDs. Nissan's new signature grille pumps up the V-motion graphic you might recognize from the new Rogue. Sharply creased fenders are reminiscent of the GT-R, as is the slim roof sitting on blacked-out A-pillars. A slice removed from the C-pillar recalls the recent Nissan IDx Freeflow concepts, while the overall shape isn't far removed from Infiniti's rear-wheel-drive sport sedans. The concept rides on 21-inch wheels with V-shaped spokes backed by big brakes with slotted rotors. The overall effect is aggressive, sporty, and just futuristic enough.


Source: http://www.motortrend.com/future/concept_vehicles/1401_nissan_sport_sedan_concept_first_look/#ixzz2woQEGVVR

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Audi Allroad Shooting Brake - Two-Door Crossover

The Audi Allroad Shooting Brake concept is a case where the name is funkier than the car itself. Here, Audi attempts to combines the distinctive and bulbous profile of a shooting brake with the pseudo-rugged looks typically associated with Allroad models. The plug-in hybrid concept, however, is essentially a two-door compact crossover, which isn't too much of a shocker considering Audi's plan to significantly expand its lineup of Q-badged crossovers. That said, two-door crossovers are nothing new. Range Rover has its Evoque and Mini entered the fray with the Paceman. Dimensionally, the Allroad Shooting Brake concept is within inches of Audi's own Q3 and the Paceman, which will likely be the main competitor for the funky Audi (should it make it to production). 

At first glance, the concept appears as if the A3 hatch and A4 Allroad have morphed together. There are even hints of the first-generation TT in the concept's curvy rear end. A few notable design touches include the absence of a B-pillar, the rakish hatch, and wide fender flares. Everything else is relatively familiar. Audi's signature trapezoidal grille dominates the concept's mug, while each headlight unit houses two clusters of the automaker's new matrix LED lighting system. Gray body cladding, a familiar Allroad design trait, is used for the lower edges of the fenders, bumpers, and rocker panels. With a wheelbase of 98.8 inches and an overall length of 165.4 inches, the Allroad Shooting Brake concept is relatively small. The cabin will accommodate four adults who will be surrounded by Alcantara headliner, aluminum accents, and dark gray leather. Overall, the interior is reminiscent of a few recent model launches including the 2015 A3 and the next-generation TT. The instrument panel, for example, is completely digital with a high-resolution 12.3-inch screen. Drivers can select among three display modes including a "classic" view that shows the speedometer and information pertaining to the hybrid system. An "infotainment" mode displays navigation or audio details, while a "Sport" mode is highlighted by a tachometer.

Source: http://www.motortrend.com/future/concept_vehicles/1401_audi_allroad_shooting_brake_concept_first_look/#ixzz2woO8J13v

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Angel car - Peugeot Angel

Angel is a concept car inspired by the fairy angels at a minimal and clean design mode. It is intended primarily urban use and will allow users to amazing enjoyment of ride. His trump card hidden in the rear wheels, with the aid of a magnetic field generates the necessary power to drive this baby. This is Angel lighter than traditional cars and requires energy-Main for "flying" down the road.

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