Concept Cars

Peugeot are not exactly known for their luxurious or even sporty cars. That being said, they are looking to try their hand at what they consider a gap in the market. Instead of developing what they are known for, traditional family cars, they are looking to get involved in a different part of the market – expensive sports car.

So what ammunition are they bringing to try and fend off competitors? They are currently developing something that the media are labeling the H1. This is likely to be based on the SR1 sports car, something that is still looked on as mechanical brilliance and is only likely to become even more popular over the coming months.

The SR1 has styling that has never been seen before. It offers people looking to get a sports car an alternative to some of the better known and premium brands, catching a glimpse of driving freedom for a fraction of the cost. According to recent reports, the new SR1 concept is likely to be some what of a high rider; this will eventually be what is now known as the H1.

The vehicle has already been under extensive development and is far from finished. That being said, it certainly does not mean that Peugeot will be holding it back from the public. According to the design boss at Peugeot (Gilles Vidal), they will be revealing the new concept car at the Paris Motor Show. Of course, there is not a more prestige event in the motoring calendar, so it certainly makes sense.

So what can the public expect? It is quite obvious where the basis for the styling came from; the 207. That being said, Peugeot have gone one better here and really pulled out all the stops developing a truly beautiful concept vehicle.

Like most of the concepts this time of year, the actual mechanics have not been laid out in full. That being said, Peugeot has suggested that it will be incorporating the diesel hybrid, which is still under extensive development itself. PSA Peugeot-Citroën is looking to make this a concept car that no one will forget.

What the design team has suggested is that the look for Peugeot is likely to change. This is not just in relation to this concept car, but also to the rest of their range. From now on they are likely to be a lot sleeker in comparison to previous models, smaller rather than the bulky appearance they presently have.

Vauxhall have been hard at work, developing the next generation range of vehicles in addition to their current range. Their latest development is in the form of the GTC concept car. The car is likely to have its worldwide debut at the Paris Motor Show which is scheduled to take place this October.

Whilst the design and mechanics of the vehicle provided by Vauxhall are fairly vague, it has given the media a sneak peak into the future. Most people involved in the industry have come to the assumption that this is possibly what the new Astra Sport Hatch is going to be based in – sleek, yet still holding its sporty charm.

Sneak peaks and spy shots have been circulating the web, but no official photographs of the new GTC concept car have yet been released. That being said, we can all come to the conclusion that it is in fact a modified and futuristic version of the current Vauxhall Astra. With that in mind, Vauxhall will have the usual competition on their hands, in the form of the Renault Megane Coupe.

Vauxhall are set to have an extremely busy few months ahead of them. Whilst the focus is currently on the GTC concept car, there are plenty of other developments in the pipeline. In fact, one development that is completed is the Astra Sports Tourer. This vehicle has already had its sale date set and will be leaving showrooms with their new owners some time in October 2010.

Built in the UK, it soon becomes apparent that this has been designed as a passenger vehicle. In comparison to previous models, it has a lot more space and is designed in a much more efficient manner. Bear in mind that this vehicle boasts luggage space of over 1,500 liters, with the seats down of course.

The Paris Motor Show is likely to be an exciting event for Vauxhall overall. A range of new models will be on show, some of which have been under development for years, others which have simply seen minor modifications.

One of the focal points for Vauxhall this year was the further development of the ecoFLEX models. They are now scattered throughout the Vauxhall range, in an effort for Vauxhall to come across as a eco-friendly brand.

Like all concept cars, more details related to the Vauxhall GTC concept and Vauxhalls intentions are likely to become apparent closer to the time of the Paris Motor Show.

Porsche 918 Spyder Concept Car

Porsche have confirmed their intention to put the 918 Spyder shown at the Geneva auto show in March into production.

The 918 Spyder concept on display at Geneva boasted a high-performance plug-in hybrid engine with a potential fuel consumption of around 60-80mpg.

The layout will be the usual Spyder 2 seater mid-engined affair, and the 918 will apparently hit 60mph in just over 3 seconds and go on to nearly 200mph… not bad for a plug in, though what percentage of that performance will come from whatever petrol engine Porsche decide to put in it is anyone’s guess, and our guess is most of it.

We can only assume the car will follow the usual pattern that is starting to emerge among car companies as they try to gag the ever growing band of greenies, that being that the 918 Spyder will use the electric motor for short, slow journeys and kick in the petrol engine when more performance is required, or the battery goes flat for the electric motor.

With Porsche’s (soon to be) new owners, Volkswagen, hoping to double sales of Porsche over the coming years, this kind of hybrid model is an eye into the future for Porsche models, and in fact all high performance car manufacturers.

On that note, we wonder when we’ll see a plug in Lambo or Aston Martin, the car chase scene in the next James Bond movie could be a wholly different experience if Bond has to stop for a recharge.

2011 Dodge Challenger

The release of the 2011 Dodge Challenger is nearly up on us, so we thought it fitting to take a look at the new incarnation of this classic and see whats new!

Obviously the retro style stays, and who would complain about that? Looks like the 2011 Dodge Challenger will be get a 6.4L boasting around 500bhp and be more fuel efficient than the 6.1L unit currently found in the 2010 Dodge Challenger. Other changes for the 2011 Dodge Challenger include the usual raft of minor cosmetic changes and some reworking of the mechanicals.

Check out a PR from the Dodge Challenger guys below for some more specifics.

2011 Dodge Challenger Convertible

Styling:

The 2011 Dodge Challenger’s styling won’t stray from the basic concept introduced with the model-year 2008 revival of this MoPar muscle car. The long-hood, short-deck shape, wide grille, graceful roofline, and full-width tail lamps will continue to honor the 1970 Challenger two-door coupe. Dodge, however, probably has additional trim packages in mind for the 2011 Challenger. Indeed, it’s kept a steady drumbeat of optional dress-ups, including recent SE Rallye-package and R/T Classic editions with body stripes and chrome gas caps right out of Challenger’s pop-art past. Model-year 2010 brought another retro-appearance option that added a hood scoop, rear spoiler, “strobe” body striping, and T-handle gear shift. Even “Plum Crazy” purple paint is back. Expect the 2011 Dodge Challenger lineup to repeat with SE, R/T, and SRT8 models. Dodge shoots down rumors that it’s considering a convertible body style; Mustang already offers one and a Camaro ragtop is in the works. Challenger is essentially a two-door coupe adaptation of the 2006-2010 Dodge Charger full-size four-door sedan. Compared to the Charger, Challenger rides a four-inch shorter wheelbase — the distance between the front and rear axles and a determinate of passenger space — so it has less rear-seat leg room. But Challenger’s body length is just 2.4 inches briefer than the 2010 Charger’s, and it’s actually wider and heavier. Dodge boasts that both cars have the same voluminous 16.2-cubic-foot trunk. All this makes for a somewhat paunchy pony, and Challenger is significantly larger than the Mustang and Camaro. The payoff is the softest ride, widest cockpit, and roomiest rear seat in the class. In fact, Challenger is the only one of the three that has seating positions for five passengers instead of four.

Mechanical:

The 2011 Dodge Challenger will retain its rear-wheel-drive layout but could well revamp its engine roster. The 2011 Challenger SE will continue with a V-6, but Dodge surely is tempted to dump its old 3.5-liter V-6. This single-overhead cam design is rated at 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. It comes only with a five-speed automatic transmission and never really generates the excitement promised by Challenger’s looks. Kicking in the stall is the company’s hot new 3.6-liter dubbed the “Pentastar” V-6. Debuting in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it’s an advanced dual-overhead cam design with variable valve timing and is initially rated at 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. With the 2011 Mustang winning attention for a new V-6 with 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and the V-6 Camaro clocking in at 304/273, Challenger needs the Pentastar to remain competitive. Making the SE available with a manual transmission would also keep it abreast of the V-6 Mustang and Camaro models. The 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T is likely to retain its 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, though a bump from 2010’s 376 horsepower/410 pound-feet of torque is possible. The Hemi is named for combustion-chamber ceilings that are hemispherical rather than flat or angled. This one links to a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. Challenger R/Ts are fast cars, but only with the manual transmission does this two-ton coupe feel like a bona fide muscle machine. No such qualifiers for the Challenger SRT8 model, which has used a 6.1-liter version of the Hemi V-8. With 425 horsepower and 420 pounds-feet of torque, the SRT8 is a monster with either the six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. However, the SRT8 is Challenger’s premium-priced model, starting around $44,000. That’s some $10,000 more than the 400-plus-horsepower Camaro SS and the 412-horsepowr 2011 Mustang GT. Some Dodge watchers speculate the 2011 Challenger SRT8 could get a new 6.4-liter version of the Hemi V-8 said to generate 475-525 horsepower. Meanwhile, Dodge hasn’t relegated all of Challenger’s recent updates to cosmetic features. Model-year 2010, for example, saw R/T models made available with the Super Track Pack, which added special 20-inch tires as well as performance-tuned shock absorbers, axle ratio, and brake linings, plus an antiskid system recalibrated to promote controlled tail slides through turns.

Features:

Some reports suggest a modest expansion of 2011 Challenger features will include a sportier new steering wheel and a remote entry system that allows the driver to unlock the car without removing the keyfob from briefcase, backpack, purse, or pocket. Otherwise, all 2011 Challengers will again have four-wheel disc brakes with antilock management for better control in emergency stops, traction control to limit tire slip during takeoffs, and antiskid traction control to mitigate sideways slides. Head-protecting curtain side airbags for both seating rows will also be standard. Same for a manual tilt/telescope steering wheel, power driver’s seat, and a split rear seat back that folds to create a cargo-passage from the trunk. The 2011 Challenger’s five-speed automatic transmission will again feature a separate gate for manual-type gear changes, while the six-speed manual’s lever will again be topped with a 1970s-style pistol-grip handle. Other returning options will include a power sunroof, remote engine start for automatic-transmission models, and xenon headlamps and a functional hood scoop for R/T models. SRT8 models come with xenons, function hood scoops, leather upholstery, special sport bucket front seats, and dashboard readouts that track 0-60-mph acceleration times, lateral G-forces, and other lead-foot data. Leather upholstery will return as an option on SE and R/T models, accompanied by heated front seats and mirrors. Also available again will be a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic information; Chrysler’s Uconnect multimedia system that includes USB iPod interface and steering-wheel audio controls; and sound systems that range to a 368-watt setup with seven Boston Acoustic speakers.

Source: www.greenwaydodge.com

2011 Dodge Challenger

2012 Camero z28

After the Camaro Z28 was all but confirmed as fact rather then rumor (despite most folks already knowing it was on the way) by GM’s Karl Stracke, it looks like the this modern rendition of the Z28 is going to be a real stormer.

Word has it that it will use a 6.2L supercharged V8 packing an explosive 550+bhp, giving it enough horses to run with the likes of the Ford Mustang GT500, and at the same time possibly making buyers for the Ford take an extra moment to consider their purchase decision.

The Camaro Z28 is taking shape rapidly as the months pass, with an apparent scheduled release date of early 2011, we believe the car must be in its final stages of tweaking before oiling up the production line to starting putting the pieces together of one of the most exciting muscle cars we have seen for a little while.

Were expecting some more details on the specification anytime, along with some shots of the completed car, but we’re salivating already at the prospect of the Camaro Z28, with all the green focus currently taking over the motor industry its great to see monstrous muscle cars still being developed and put into production.

Ford Start Concept - Ford aims to capture a large slice of the Asian small car market.

Ford is is looking to wrap the Asian small car market with this little number, the Ford Start.

Looking rather like an evolution of the KA that is so popular in Europe, the Ford Start concept is aimed at capturing a large percentage of the market for a small economical car so sought after in many countries across Asia.

The car will feature a 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost direct injection turbo engine which surprisingly has the power of a 1.6 liter unit, but throws out less than 100g/km CO2, this is the same engine set to make its appearance in the Fiesta and Focus.

The car is set to use various techniques to reduce costs, lots of one piece construction and use of lightweight composite materials where viable.

This Ford Start concept looks great to us and it seems a shame Ford has seen fit to only plan this for the Asian market, the great design and unique look would surely be a hit on the roads of Europe and the more cosmopolitan cities across the US.

Still, that should mean capturing a glimpse of one outside of Asia should make for an even more eye catching experience and we’re sure there will be a fair number of people aiming to import them so as to drive something different.