September 24, 2013

BMW i8 Shown in Full

It feels like we have been seeing the BMW i8 for years already but in truth we have never, until now, seen it out of camouflage. The finished car makes up the second model in BMW’s new i range that promoted future technologies and ecology. The i8 concepts have always looked like something from the future but the real question is just how much of that has been lost in the production model?

The answer is absolutely none. Still looking like Batman’s hire car, the i8 has been revealed in full at the Frankfurt motor show. Sporting a unique carbon fibre-reinforced plastic body, the sports car seats four and is powered by a combination of a 1.5 litre three cylinder engine as well as two electric motors. 113MPG is claimed with a combined range of 310 miles. That is pretty good considering that it will do 0-62MPH in 4.4 seconds and go onto a top speed of 155MPH. Total power output is 356BHP accompanied by 420lb ft of torque.

Mercedes-Benz Concept S-Class Coupe is a Seductive Silhouette

These days the term “concept car” is used very loosely as manufacturers find fewer and fewer reasons to spend millions on a machine so fantastical that it has to be radically redesigned before it makes production. What we tend to get today is a car that is very close to being signed off, but will undergo some very light cosmetic changes before it does. Some people see this as a bad thing as those wild designs become more tame, but look at it this way, it means futuristic concept cars we do see are likely to be what ends up in showrooms. Case and point is the new Concept S-Class Coupe.

Effectively killing off the CL line, the Mercedes-Benz Concept S-Class Coupe is as its name suggests a coupe variant of the new S-Class. With swooping lines and an elongated bonnet, the whole car looks very majestic. This Merc is powered by a twin-turbo V8 that churns out 449BHP and 516lb ft of torque.

With heaps of style and luxury, we would expect to see the production S-Class Coupe in the not too distant future.

Audi Nanuk is a “Go Anywhere” Supercar

If I were to describe to you a machine that had supercar performance, a mid-mounted engine and the ability to hit the rough stuff you might think I was describing a Group B rally car. You would be wrong. The more car news conscious of you might think I was talking about the bonkers ItalDesign Giugiaro Parcour built as a thing of fantasy by its designer. On that guess you would be getting much warmer, but still no cigar. No, this car that I speak of wears an Audi badge and is diesel!

Looking at the Audi Nanuk concept you can clearly see that Parcour influence and this is because Audi partnered up with its makers to produce this beast. Powered by a 5.0 litre V10 TDI, that is right it is diesel, the Nanuk can sprint from 0-62MPH in just 3.8 seconds on almost any terrain. Packing 544BHP and 737lb ft of torque it has a top speed of 189MPH. Now, that engine is the really interesting thing about this car as Audi have ben making plans for a diesel R8 for years. Have we just had a sneak preview?

Jean Bugatti Veyron Special Edition Unveiled

The Bugatti Veyron is well on its way to signing off on the last few pages in its chapter of automotive history. As production of this biblical machine winds down Bugatti are releasing several special edition cars to commemorate important figures throughout the brands history. The Wimille edition that celebrated the Le Mans winner of the same name is to be joined by 5 further cars, the latest of which is the “Jean Bugatti.”

Jean Bugatti, son of the companies founder, has been honoured with a special car that evokes one of his most famous designs, the Type 57 Atlantic. Finished in black carbon garnished with platinum grills this car exudes elegance. Based upon the record breaking Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, the performance of the car remains unchanged meaning that it has 1,200BHP on tap. Just three “Jean Bugatti” editions shall be built.

New Audi A3 Drop-Top is a Classy Cabriolet

It is ironic how we in the UK are one of the biggest markets for the convertible considering how biblically bad our weather can be. That said it does urge manufacturers to come up with faster and more practical ways for the consumer to complete the transformation from open-top to closed cabin. The all-new Audi A3 Cabriolet reveals itself for your consideration.

This rather good looking machine is the new Audi A3 Cabriolet and with its bold chiseled jaw looks, it is quite the fashion statement. Cozy warm to sensational sunshine comes in just 18 seconds thanks to an electrically operated fabric roof. Power is provided by one of three engine options; a 1.4 TFSI, 1.8 TFSI and a 2.0 litre diesel TDI. This A3 also has the option of 4G connectivity for those who can’t bare to be away away from the internet. Audi also say that a Quattro system shall also be coming to the A3 Cabriolet in the near future.

Jaguar C-X17 Revealed

Car manufacturers in this financial climate need to ensure that their products are still selling in volume in order to survive. Though Jaguar car sales have been doing fantastically well, there is a market that competitors have crept into that could prove to be very lucrative. The luxury crossover is quickly becoming the iPod of the automotive world and everyone who is anyone wants to buy one. Bentley, Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz are all trundling down that path and now Jaguar has decided to enter the fray.

This is the Jaguar C-X17 concept and it makes its debut at the Frankfurt motor show. Sitting on top of the yet to be revealed BMW 3 Series rival from Jag, the classy soft-roader takes many modern Jaguar design influences into a new segment. Its broad muscular stance is very Jaguar and so this C-X17 loses none of its brand identity. Inside it is your typical show of soft lighting and high quality leather upholstery whilst outside the body work keeps weight down with greater uses of aluminium. Though a concept for now, make no mistake, Jaguar want to produce this car.

Subtle Changes For 2014 Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery is one of the worlds ultimate “go anywhere” vehicles that will allow you to drive up, over and even through almost anything. Decades of technological advancement has led to the Discovery having a reputation for adventure, however, the current model is getting on a bit and so the company have decided it is time for a nip and tuck.

This is the 2014 Land Rover Discovery and whilst most of its changes are subtle, some do foreshadow the future of the model. The 3.0 litre SDV6 engine has been fettled with producing the same 252BHP but thanks to the addition of a start/stop system will now do 35.3MPG. Externally the front grill, bumper and lights have changed moderately. The thing to note is that the Land Rover badging has been removed from the nose and in its place sits “Discovery.” Much like Land Rover did with Range Rover, Discovery is to become a separate brand in the near future that will encompass this 4X4’s little brother the Freelander.

Volvo Concept Coupe is Futuristic Forerunner

Volvo are very much leading the way when it comes to the motor cars technological advancement. Already with a reputation for pioneering new safety features, the future of the company is one that is very exciting. The new Volvo Concept Coupe shown at the Frankfurt motor show is the embodiment of a modern day Volvo wrapped in a sleek coupe package.

The Concept Coupe could be seen as a re-imagining of the classic P1800 with its coupe body style and clean design. Its design language foreshadows that of future models including the up and coming XC90. Inside the cabin you are surrounded by the latest tech and bathed in blue LED lighting. The console is dominated by a large touch screen that plugs directly into a system that that will actively steer the car to avoid accidents. This concept is superseded by a 2.0 litre turbo and supercharged engine that powers the front wheels as well as an electric motor that drives the rear wheels. Total output of the system is 395BHP and 442lb ft of torque.

Kia Niro Concept Puts the Cool in Crossover

The Nissan Juke really started something with its funky jacked up hatchback. Though its bold styling was not to everyones taste, it does turn heads are for those looking for a small high riding car with a bit of attitude, it was an attractive niche. As always, when something proves popular others join in the fun and now it is Kia’s turn.

Though not slated for production, this Kia Niro Concept will help shape the companies future design direction in terms of a crossover. Featuring swan doors and chunky tyres, the Niro does look rather unique. Said to be design with European tastes in mind, the bold appearance continues a succession of very stylish cars from Kia. The car shall make its debut at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show.

Ford S-Max Concept Makes MPVs Sexy

MPV. Those three letters are possibly the least attractive in the alphabet and when put together represent a host of rather dull people movers that are all function and no fun. The original S-Max bucked that trend and offered a stylish way to ferry the family around, however, its competitors don’t exactly give it a hard time in that department. A new S-Max is just around the corner and Ford have done a damn good job at making it the best looking MPV we have ever seen.

The new Ford S-Max Concept is a real looker! It is sleek and modern with flowing lines that just demand onlookers attention. Though officially a concept, this car is very close to what the finished car shall look like. A stocky stance as well as elongated windows give the new S-Max a very sporty appearance. Inside it is a premium affair with all surfaces being highly sculpted. Seating 5, this concept car is powered by a 1.5 litre four cylinder engine.