Next Concept Cars

The star of the 2008 Auto Show in Melbourne was, without a doubt, the anniversary concept Holden Coupe 60.

The Holden Coupe 60 concept celebrates GM Holden’s 60 years of existence, being based on the VE Commodore Sedan model.

Although it has a classic style, the concept manages to be very aggressive, especially because of widening the body. The 21 inch wheels fit perfectly under the proeminent passages. The stylish character is pointed out by the lack of a disgracious rear flap, which was replaced with a huge diffuser in the back spoiler. Overall, the car’s design is very clean, and the special “Diamond Silver” paint stands out.

The car is equipped with a 6 liter V8 engine, with a 6 step manual gear box, which transmits power to the rear wheels - in other words, a configuration that is dedicated to racing circuits. Even though the power is not yet known, the car is environmentally friendly, because the engine is flexfuel, and it uses E85 Ethanol.

In the interior, the carbon fiber seats have 4-point seat belts, and the drivewheel instantly reminds you of the racing atmosphere, as well as the gear shifter or the perforated pedals. The central console is identical to the family sedan, but the gauges have been replaced with a racing type digital display.

The rear seats also have a racing configuration, while the trunk is more than enough for the sportive passengers of this concept.

The officials don’t exclude the option of a future series model based on this concept, which, in general, aims to show the future directions of design which Holden will apply to its models.

Just a few days before the Auto Show in Geneva, Italdesign Giugiaro has decided to give all the information about its car. This concept car is inspired from the 1968 Bizzarrini Manta concept, and its main feature is that it is equipped with a hybrid powertrain which was supplied by Toyota.

In combination with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, the 3.3L V6 engine produces 268 HP and 212 pound feet of torque, and, consequently, the car reaches 62 mph in only 4.05 seconds. What is more, the car is equipped with two 16 gallon fuel tanks, which give the car an autonomy of 621 miles. Among other features, we’ll talk about the opaque roof which is covered in solar panels which run the interior electronics and recharge the batteries, the ability to use two or four wheel drive, as well as being able to raise the height of the car to a maximum of 9.17 inches. The interior is caracterized by a front center driver’s seat, with two other seats on either side and a child seat right in the center.

[Source: Autoblog.com]

The Korean builder will be unveiling three concept cars at the Auto Show in Geneva, and one of these three is going to be the Kia Soul Burner Concept.

This new concept has been given a full redesign in the front part, being a blend between sportiveness and an upright demeanor. Among other features is the raked windshield and a shortened D-pillar, which make it look a bit more different from the Scion xB, from which it is inspired. Still, the pseudo-tribal graphics could have been much better.

[source: Autoweek.nl]

Unlike other designers that will present their concept cars at the Auto Show in Geneva, Zagato has decided to announce that it will be unveiling its coachbuilt Bentley at the show, offering all the information about the car.

This concept car is called Bentley Continental GTZ, and the general look of the car suggests a blend between Bentley and the classic Zagato design. This concept is based on the Continental GT Speed, from which it uses the basic mechanics. Still, the changes are important. Zagato Atelier has fitted an unique two-tone body, that is painted in a classic British racing green. What is more, Zagato included their signature on the contrasting roof in medium silver. Among other modifications we’ll specify: sharply-creased fenders, an elegant tail and a curvy rear window.

All in all, this car will probably look fabulous, so we’ll show you a set of pictures for you to admire.

The Spanish have created a special edition of the Seat Leon Cupra K1, with a plus of exclusivism dedicated to the racing model from BTCC, the British Auto Championship.

Even though K1 makes lots of people think about violent fights in the ring, the special Seat Leon Cupra K1 edition was created for celebrating the succesful model Seat Sport BTCC, which will compete again in 2008 in the British competition - so this is why this edition is dedicated to the British.

The car has a 2 liter TSI engine which has 240HP, the most powerful engine ever mounted on a Seat Leon. The body kit, includes the well known spoilers which have massive air sockets, central oval exhaust and a racing rear flap.

The 18 inch wheels come in two cromatic versions, black or white, while the package of options which includes directional Bi-Xenon headlights is cheaper. Actually, in England, the price for this special edition is only 20.495 British pounds, with only 1.000 more than a Seat Leon Cupra.

Magna Steyr, a builder from Austria, is involved in the construction of the BMW X3 or the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Europe, but they will come at the Auto Show in Geneva with their own concept car: MILA Alpine.

Magna Steyr MILA Alpine is a compact off-road car which is very good on rough terrain - it can climb slopes of 45 degrees with ease.

The configuration with a central engine allowed the creation of a simple four by four system, which is efficient, and also has a very good behavior in off-road conditions. The car offers space for 3 + 1 persons, and it can have special functions, as it can be used as an utility truck. The engineers at Magna Steyr say that the car has an excellent maneuverability for such a vehicle.

The propulsion system is a hybrid one, the electric engine being associated with a 3 cylinder engine that is fueled with CNG (compressed natural gas), which leads to emissions of under 100g/km. The light weight of the vehicles also contributes to this performance, the structure being made up of light and rigid materials, with the aim of obtaining low production costs.