Automobile Blog

Identity i1 concept premieres in Geneva

Spanish companies H2R Design Consulting and Mazel Group will unveil the Identity i1 concept car at the Geneva Motor Show, hopefully as a precursor to future production.

Details are sketchy, but the mid-engine sportscar is said to be powered by a 487 hp aluminum-block V8, driving the rear wheels through a six-speed gearbox. The two-seater features shift-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems, apparently enabling some creative placement of controls in the interior.

The Mazel Group has been exhibiting concept cars at Geneva annually since 2000. Pictures of the actual Identity i1 will have to wait for the opening of the Geneva Show – for now, we’ll have to be content with these design renderings…

More pics and the official press release after the jump.

The i1, build for IDENTITY
has is origin in the cooperation between Mazel Group and H2R Design

The Identity i1 has made concrete a proposal which is not only the answer to the challenge of a new model realization but also to the creation of a new brand, a goal which is not easy to reach today.

H2R Design Consulting have studied the concept of the car, developing the design completely in Virtual Reality, and MAZEL-GROUP have executed the physical model. Both companies, located in Barcelona, demonstrate with this project their high technological capacity in the execution of this kind of projects.

The chassis, studied in composite material will be developed with ATR, a prestigious Italian company with a great experience in this field. The development of the body in white (in RTM and composite material) is on its execution phase by Studio Linea 2 in Turin (Italy)

The engine, an aluminum eight cylinder in central position with rear wheel drive with an robotized six gear Gearbox guarantees high performances and an excellent road performance.

The exterior, following the best European tradition, is characterized by generous dimensions (4,43m long per 1,92m wide, is only 1,26 m high) combined with the remarkable tires size of 19″ in the front and 20″ in the rear, gives the car an exclusive and sporty image. Furthermore the strong character of its designs originates not only a “pure race” sports car but also a design able to characterize a whole new brand.

The front part, consisting of three main volumes, have a lower main air intake, clearly inspirited in aeronautical solutions, which is, beyond all doubt, its most important part. The remarkable intakes for the front brake refrigeration makes up a dynamic ensemble with a strong sports character. The upper air intake, refined and perfectly integrated in the bumpers volume and the head lights in vertical position, emphasize the important width of the vehicle.

The side part is characterized by a new treatment of the surfaces, bringing together new design trends and classic solutions, which permits to obtain a product really different in relation to the solutions actually on the market. The doors, which are opening vertically, reinforce its extremely personal presence. Here, the perfectly integrated external mirror has a new lighting system developed by FICOSA.

The rear part, characterized by its separated rear lights and its remarkable lower engine cover part which is used as an air outlet conductor with a ventury effect, is easily recognizable from afar. This contribute to reach the purpose to make a car with an own, strong character.

The interior, a two seats, has been developed against the traditional solutions searching a sporty elegance combined with a high sensation of space, using a new distribution of the internal mechanical components.

All the control components of the vehicle are situated in the central panel where the Shift by Wire and the Brake by Wire solutions have permitted a new distribution of the gear and hand brake in the interior of the vehicle. This solution gives a new drive sensation. These elements have been developed by FICOSA, who also cooperated with the realization of the design.
To resume, it is not only a concept car proposal but also the realization of a project focused on its future production.

Loremo debuts 150 mpg concept car in Geneva

German startup Loremo AG will debut its concept car at the Geneva Motor Show this week. “Loremo” is derived from “low resistance mobile,” and embodies the company’s philosophy of efficient transportation that consumes minimal resources during both production and operation. In practice, this means lightweight, aerodynamic vehicles with phenomenal fuel efficiency.

The Loremo will be offered in two models, the LS and GT. The LS is powered by a 20 hp, 2-cylinder turbodiesel, while the GT gets a 50 hp, 3-cylinder unit. Both are 2 2, mid-engine/RWD configurations with a 5-speed gearbox. The GT will go from 0-62 mph in 9 seconds, but the real strength of the Loremo is fuel efficiency – the GT consumes only 2.7 liters per 100 km, while the LS needs only 1.5 liters/100 km. According to my calculator, the LS will go over 150 miles on a gallon of diesel! More after the jump.

Light weight and low drag are the watchwords for Loremo – the LS weighs only 990 lb, with a Cd of 0.2.

According to Loremo, the LS will be priced at about $13,100, while the GT will sell for less than $18,000. The company calculates the all-in operating costs (depreciation, maintenance, insurance, fuel) of the LS model over six years to be a parsimonious 23 cents per mile. Unfortunately, the Loremo isn’t scheduled for production until 2009.

Geneva Motor Show: Saab takes off with Aero X Concept
The Geneva Motor Show is underway and Saab has taken aim and struck first by unveiling its Aero X Concept. The two-seater coupe expresses Saab’s future design language, one obviously more aggressive than the current.

The Aero X also draws from the Scandinavian automaker’s aviation roots by featuring a cockpit canopy like a fighter jet that lifts up the “doors� and windshield together. Since there are no windshield pillars, the driver enjoys a full 180-degree view of the road ahead.

Power for the Aero X is provided by an environmentally conscious yet extremely powerful twin-turbo BioPower V6 engine that uses 100-percent ethanol and produces 400 hp.

As the name suggests, the Aero X is all-wheel drive and skinned entirely in carbon fiber, both of which contribute to a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The interior is supposedly trick as well, the designers having eschewed all buttons and knobs for smooth acrylic ‘clear zones’ that present controls in graphic 3D images. Unfortunately GM hasn’t released any shots of the interior, so we’ll have to wait until our man on the floor, Alberto, produces some for us.

Follow the jump for more official pics and GM’s official press release.

Aero X Concept Showcases Future Saab Design Direction
World premiere at Geneva Auto Show
Inspired by Saab’s aviation heritage and Scandinavian roots
Previews more progressive design language
Innovative opening canopy eliminates doors and windshield pillars
“Green Power” from 400 hp BioPower engine using 100 percent ethanol fuel
All-wheel drive, carbon fiber bodywork
North American debut at New York auto show in April

The Saab Aero X concept harnesses the power of Saab’s aviation and Scandinavian roots to make a unique statement in performance car design. Conceived as a study to explore future design directions, its innovative features preview the development of an enhanced design language that will inspire future Saab products.

As one would expect from Saab, this dynamic two-seater sports coupe breaks with automotive design convention both outside and inside.
First, there are no doors…or windshield pillars. That’s because the Saab Aero X adopts a cockpit canopy, just as you would see on a jet aircraft. It offers the Aero X pilot full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin.

Thrust for the all-wheel-drive Saab Aero X also comes from a powerplant with a difference. The 400-hp, twin-turbo, BioPower V6 engine is fueled entirely by ethanol, a sustainable energy source that is kinder to the environment by cutting fossil CO2 emissions. The “green power” of this advanced engine gives new meaning to the phrase “performance with responsibility.”

Inside, the Saab Aero X’s cockpit also adds a new dimension to clean Scandinavian interior design by completely eliminating conventional dials and buttons. Instead, Saab has applied techniques derived from Swedish glass and precision instrument making, displaying data on glass-like acrylic ‘clear zones’ in graphic 3-D images.

All exterior and interior lighting is by LED (light-emitting diode), which has given the design team new freedom to exploit the compact packaging benefits of a technology that will be featured increasingly in future Saab products.

With weight-saving carbon fiber bodywork, a lightweight powertrain, electronically controlled suspension and all-wheel drive, the Saab Aero X is an exciting driver’s car that promises a level of performance to match its looks. Computer simulations anticipate zero to 60mph/100 kph in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph/250 kph (limited).

Despite being so tightly driver-focused, the Aero X still offers surprising practicality, again, a quality you would expect to find in all Saab designs. That dramatically sculpted tail conceals a useful twin storage facility, with a conventional hatch opening and sliding drawer underneath.
“This study shows how the strength of the Saab brand heritage can inspire bold, innovative design,” says Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, GM Design Europe. “As we move forward with new Saab products, we will remain focused on carefully cultivating this brand equity in the context of Scandinavian design values.”

“This concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the brand,” says Jan Ã…ke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing Director. “Our designers, engineers and marketers in Sweden are ideally placed to nurture and communicate the unique DNA of the Saab brand. Their work will ensure that future product proposals express core qualities, such as progressive design, sporty performance and emotional functionality, in a way that is specific to Saab.”

The Saab Aero X is the latest in a series of concepts from Saab, each accentuating different brand qualities. These include the ‘four-dimensional’ 9X (IAA Frankfurt 2001), the 9-3X Cross-over Coupe (Detroit 2002) and the 9-3 Sport Hatch (IAA Frankfurt 2003).

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser: Tripping the Plastic Nostalgic Fantastic
TOYOTA is now the mighty money-minting juggernaut of the automotive world. But while it may be the all-powerful Kong of carmakers, the company seems publicly ambivalent about its likely coronation as the world leader — “Oh, we’re going to pass G.M.? Really? Gosh, should we send them a bundt cake or something?”

You’d think that the company, with more cash than Scrooge McDuck, would have a few indulgent products in its portfolio, low-volume image cars to cast a glow on the mainstream Camrys and Corollas that pay the bills. But no; these days, when a Toyota test car shows up, I think: “Oh, my, I’m in for a very pleasant experience. This looks quite swell indeed.” Then I lose it in the parking lot at the mall.

I’d venture to bet that you’ll never lose the 2007 FJ Cruiser in a parking lot, in a jungle, on a remote mountaintop or at a tailgate party at a private liberal arts college. This is the freakiest thing to come out of Toyota since the engineers locked management in a broom closet and built the Previa, a supercharged egg-shaped midengined minivan.

As a reincarnation of a beloved original (the FJ40 Land Cruiser of 1960-83), the FJ Cruiser hews to the Mini Cooper school of retro styling — to a point. While the Mini looks like a bigger, smoother version of the original, the FJ Cruiser follows that formula only for its front half. From the front bumper up to the doors, the FJ picks up where the old rock-basher left off, with round headlamps, a simple rectangular grille and butch flared fenders.

But grafted to this familiar face is a rear end off a lunar exploration vehicle, complete with rear-opening back doors and a thick roof pillar that dwarfs the windows flanking it. To my eyes, this Nehru-jacket-and-spacesuit design somehow works. I wonder what the Fab Five would think of it.

The FJ’s interior takes a page out of the Nissan playbook — interesting shapes rendered in cheap plastics. Silly, fun touches abound, like a dashtop gauge pod that includes a compass, thermometer and inclinometer. (For once, I can leave my pocket inclinometer at home!)

Even the subwoofer of the FJammer stereo is styled to attract attention, its silver enclosure standing loud and proud against the black wall of the cargo area. A deactivation switch on the dash comes into play when there’s a different sort of woofer on board. If a dog is riding in the cargo area, the subwoofer cutout switch lets you listen to music at a reasonable volume without running afoul of the Humane Society.

There are also two NXT SurfaceSound transducers that turn the entire headliner into a sound source. While the vibrating roof is novel, I’ll bet most people would rather have a sunroof, which is not available.

The FJ’s back seat is easily accessible thanks to the clamshell doors, but once you’re seated the experience is akin to a flight on the Washington shuttle. The rear windows don’t open, there is scant legroom and that hulking pillar is next to your head.

All that’s missing is a surly lady tossing you a 0.5-ounce bag of pretzels and a salesman with a seat-belt extender and sleep apnea invading your personal space. But you know what they say about the people in the back seat: they didn’t pay for the car.

On the road, the FJ Cruiser is a wieldy piece. I haven’t driven the redesigned 2007 Jeep Wrangler yet, but the FJ embarrasses the outgoing Wrangler in just about any dynamic category you’d care to name.

The 4-liter V-6 (borrowed from the Tacoma pickup) produces 239 horsepower and, even better, 278 pound-feet of torque, endowing the FJ with surprising energy off the line. This stout motor is mated to either a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual, and stability control is standard. The FJ may wear a white roof and other retro cosmetics, but under the skin it’s thoroughly modern.

Mileage ratings vary from 15 city/19 highway for the manual-transmission 4×4 to 18/22 for a rear-drive model with an automatic. Toyota recommends premium fuel.

When it comes to cornering, the sidewall giveth and the sidewall taketh away. Low-profile tires are the rage, even on S.U.V.’s where they make no sense at all, but the FJ goes the opposite route with 32-inch-tall

Honda Motor Co has said that it would be in a position to start marketing the hybrid version of its Fit subcompact car as early as 2008, according to Nihon Keizai Shimbun. The report did not name any sources, but said that the Japanese auto giant was all set to sell the first hybrid car for under 2 million yen. Honda intends to sell this hybrid car for 1.4 million yen, the report said.

Honda is also offering a British family the chance to test its hydrogen- powered fuel cell car. This concept has already been tried successfully with a Californian family and Honda now wants to extend this concept in Britain as well.

The company had showcased a Honda FCX Concept vehicle at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this month and had said that the prototype vehicle displayed at the show would be mass produced in three to four years time. The FCX Concept uses hydrogen in the vehicle to produce electricity to propel the car.

“We are the only manufacturer that has this car,â€? the company said. “There are 20 driving around, mainly in America and Japan. It is not a concept, it is a real certified car and it makes sense to bring it to Britain.â€? The company has not yet offered any other details, but the ideal British family would use the car to go to work, for shopping trips and travel during holidays.

The company has not offered details since no final decision on the project has been made. If it concludes that it would be a costly experiment, then the project would be shelved. On the other hand if it decides to go ahead, then the family, which is chosen to run the car would be provided its own refueling station, according to the Times.

Alternative-fuel vehicles to race around the world in 2008

On the 100th anniversary of the “Greatest Auto Race” of 1908, which proved the viability of the new-fangled automobile by racing from New York to Paris, a reincarnation of the famous event – the “Great Race 2008″ – will see forty teams attempt to cover much of the same route, for a $1 million purse.

Alternative fuel and hybrid powered automobiles are going to compete in the only event of its kind, an around the world rally-race, from New York City, U.S.A., to Paris, France, for a $1-million purse, according to Rally Partners, Inc., the event organizers. “Great Race 2008″ will celebrate the Centennial of the “Greatest Auto Race,” an around the world automobile race held in 1908.

“Great Race 2008″ will start in New York City, U.S.A. on February 12, 100 years to the day after the “Greatest Auto Race” began in the same city, and will race 22,000 miles around the world to Paris, France.

The ultimate adventure in motor sports will feature teams driving vintage automobiles and the latest in automotive technologies, in one race.

“Much like the ‘Greatest Auto Race’ proved the combustion engine a practical solution for motor travel, the Great Race 2008 will test and prove automotive propulsion technologies that will transport the world’s citizens in the 21st century,” said Bill Ewing, CEO, Rally Partners Inc. “It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase the latest automotive technology, while celebrating the early pioneers of the automobile in the same race.”

The forty teams will be equally divided between two classes, vintage automobiles and alternative-fuel vehicles. The latter will be tasked with completing the 22,000 mile rally-race in 80 days. The organizers hope that the event will demonstrate the commercial viability of alternative fuel vehicles in much the same way that the original event helped launch the automobile to commercial success.

The “Greatest Auto Race” of 1908 race was created to prove the commercial viability of a newfound technology, the combustion engine propelled automobile. Great Race 2008 is designed to achieve the same goal; prove the viability of the latest automotive technologies. It will challenge manufacturers and entrepreneurs to create the next generation of automotive travel.

Utilizing Great Race’s unique time and endurance competition, 40 teams – 20 driving the latest in “green” technology and 20 of the world’s finest vintage machines, will set out from New York City, U.S.A., bound for Paris, France in pursuit of $1,000,000 in purse money. After rally racing across America, the cars will ship to Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, for a trek across Eurasia to Europe and the City of Light. This ultimate adventure in motor sports will stop at 53 cities and cover more than 14,000 hard-driven miles, sections of it over some of the most desolate landscape on earth.

Utilizing Great Race’s unique time and endurance competition, 40 teams – 20 driving the latest in “green” technology and 20 of the world’s finest vintage machines, will rally race across North America, to San Francisco where the cars will be shipped to Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, for a trek across Eurasia to Europe and the City of Lights. This ultimate adventure in motor sports will stop at 53 cities and cover more than 14,000 hard-driven miles, sections of it over some of the most desolate landscape on earth.

Sneak Peek: 2007 Chrysler Sebring

Chrysler is preparing a full redesign of its mid-size Sebring sedan for model year 2007, with all-new sheet metal and a completely revamped cabin.

The next-generation Sebring, which goes into production this fall, will be built on a new platform and reportedly will share some underbody components with several Mitsubishi vehicles, including the new Outlander and Lancer.

Antoine Guilbaud/Hidden Image has struck again! The spy photographers have caught the new Chrysler Sebring sedan as it tooled out and about in metro Detroit for testing.

The base Sebring this fall is expected to share the new global four-cylinder engines from the upcoming Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber, with an optional V-6 also available.

The sedan, set up with the I-4 world engine offered in the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass, will come with an optional V6 engine.

Chrysler is dropping the Sebring coupe, but will introduce a redesigned Sebring convertible in spring 2007, using many of the same chassis and driveline components from the new Sebring sedan.

The vehicle will go on sale later this year as a 2007 model.

Check out the link for full view of the front end, as well as a photo of the interior.