World Cars Prototype

New Chrysler concept

2007-03-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

As was foretold by the numerous custom variations at last year's SEMA show, the PT Cruiser will most certainly be treated to several personalized treatments building on its street rod appeal. And while the computer enhanced images shown here are merely fanciful "what if" possibilities, we have heard whispers from Chrysler that both the panel cruiser and convertible models are being considered to expand the production range. Not able to leave well enough alone, Chrysler designers are working out ways to lengthen the lifespan of its nouveau retro offering, considering such alterations as convertible, coupe/panel van, all-wheel drive, and pickup configurations, and possibly stretchy wagon variations. The goal is to extend the vehicle's life cycle to six years by offering a wider selection of models to keep interest hot during that time.

Volkswagen Microbus concept

2007-03-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

VW's Microbus Concept stole the hearts of everyone who attended the North American International Auto Show in Detroit-not an easy task, as nearly every manufacturer served up at least one "world debut" concept vehicle.The original VW bus stands as the '60s' ultimate surf wagon, so it's only appropriate that any new version be designed at VW/Audi's Southern California advance product studio-also the birthplace of the New Beetle. The team's aim was to create another Volkswagen original, not just a copy of the old style. Observers and critics, ourselves included, think they've succeeded and failed. For the Microbus concept is a little of both.

Jaguar C-XF concept

2007-03-17T06:41:00.000-07:00

The British motor industry has been synonymous with financial disaster and is studded with motoring corpses-from Austin Healey to Allard, from Alta to Alvis (and that's just some of the As). But the most significant disappointment of late is Jaguar. So much promise, so many dollars, such letdown. To paraphrase Churchill, never has so much been invested in so few products with such little return. In spite of its hallowed name and much promise, Jaguar hasn't been owner Ford's finest hour.Out go all those 1960s styling cues. In comes a bold and progressive car that's unmistakably 21C. It'll be launched at this year's Frankfurt motor show in the fall, go on sale in early 2008, and will be previewed at the Detroit show by the C-XF concept car you see here.

Mazda Hakaze Concept

2007-03-17T06:32:00.000-07:00

The car sits on the structure of the Mazda CX-7 SUV, and has Mazda's 2.3-liter turbo four from the Mazda6 MPS. But it's shorter than the CX-7, lower and surprisingly light. That wipes away the sloth and thirst of a typical SUV. It retains the high eyepoint that SUV drivers love so much, and also allows for surprising space inside. The airiness is exaggerated by a fishbowl of a roof, with huge removable glass panels. Mazda's Hakaze concept is the automaker's future vision of a good-looking and practical SUV coupe. Motor Trend recently had the chance to take the Hakaze for a quick spin in advance of its Geneva Motor Show world debut.

Dodge Demon Concept

2007-03-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

THE PONTIAC Solstice and Saturn Sky are affordable two-seat sports cars, but they're not, strictly speaking, Miata-fighters. They're a half size bigger, they're heavier, and they need the optional turbo engine to provide enough fun to match the World's Most Popular Sports Car, which conversely is designed more for handling than for speed. Chrysler's Dodge Demon concept, making its debut at the Geneva motor show and named after a tarted-up early 1970s Dodge Dart, may ultimately become the sports car GM's Bob Lutz says he's dreamed of

since his Chrysler days.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept

2007-03-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

Tom Peters, director of rear-drive design and chief of design for the Camaro convertible, last year's coupe, and, not coincidentally, for the C6 Corvette.As the concept makes the rounds of car shows following its Detroit debut, GM Australia is hard at work on the production car. Expect thicker sills and tunnels and added cross-bracing to give the convertible's unibody coupelike stiffness.

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera concept

2007-03-17T05:43:00.000-07:00

Automobili Lamborghini presents an uncompromisingly high-performance sports car Gallardo Superleggera. Thanks to increased power (an additional 10 hp) and a 100 kg reduction in weight (USA 70 kg), the new range-leading Gallardo Superleggera is even more dynamic than the already very sporty Gallardo. The weight/power ratio of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is only 2.5 kg/hp, which puts it unquestionably at the top.

The Superleggera also has the fastest acceleration in its class. It needs only 3.8 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph), 0.2 seconds less than the basic model, and boasting speed and grit under other driving conditions.

Lotus 2-Eleven concept

2007-03-17T05:38:00.000-07:00

Lotus Sport, the race car performance arm of Lotus Cars Ltd, today unveiled the new Lotus 2-Eleven. Launched at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show, the Lotus 2-Eleven is aimed at the true track day enthusiast, taking Colin Chapman's philosophy of 'Performance Through Lightweight' to its most extreme level yet. Weighing in at just 670 kg (1,477 lbs) with 255 PS (252 bhp / 188 kw) on tap courtesy of its supercharged and intercooled 1796 cc engine, the Lotus 2-Eleven boasts a power to weight ratio similar to that of a 1960's Formula One car. Designed with the most serious of track day enthusiasts in mind, the Lotus 2-Eleven offers race car levels of performance coupled with legendary Lotus Ride and Handling to deliver a truly outstanding track day car.

Koenigsegg Competition Coupe GT

2007-03-17T05:33:00.000-07:00

Beauty car Koenigsegg has created a new race car - the CCGT, based on the production CC-model range. The CCGT complies with the ACO and FIA GT1 regulations. The CCGT engine is based on the Koenigsegg CCX production engine with the superchargers removed but enlarged to 5.0 litre.

Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept

2007-03-17T05:28:00.000-07:00

Opel will unveiled this two-door concept at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Along with the leaked photos has only come a little information about the vehicle. It is expected to receive power from a V6 engine that is supported by a turbocharger, which produce 300 horsepower. All four-wheels are expected to receive this power, making it a very versatile GT car. The car is believed to be well equipped, containing many luxury options as standard equipment. Part of those features are rumored to be parking assistance and hard-disk based information system.

Lotus Exige GT3 Concept

2007-03-17T05:24:00.000-07:00

With its debut at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show, the 275 PS (271 bhp / 203 kW) Exige GT3 is a bold, no-holds-barred, lap record-breaking, breathtaking performance machine that embraces all that is expected of a race-bred Lotus.Lotus Sport, the race car performance arm of Lotus Cars Ltd, today unveiled the Lotus Exige GT3 concept road vehicle. Building on the Lotus racing pedigree, this concept car can deliver more grin-factor than ever before,there are no intended compromises and no limits except those that are self imposed by the driver.

BMW M3 Concept

2007-03-17T05:19:00.000-07:00

The BMW M3 Concept Car features a high-revving V8 engine that is anticipated for the series car once it goes into production. BMW M GmbH has revealed an impression of the next generation M3 Coupe at the 77th Geneva Motor Show in the guise of a stunning Concept Car.
The M3 Concept Car gives an indication of what to expect when the production version of the E92 generation M3 Coupe is released. Bred on the race track for the road, the M3 Coupe has been an icon for more than 20 years.

Spyker C12 Zagato

2007-03-17T04:52:00.000-07:00

Norihiko Harada, Zagatos Automotive Chief Designer, and Muller co-operated closely to design this limited edition of 24 sports cars to be delivered from March 2008 onwards. The world premiere of this ultra-exclusive version of the C12 range celebrates Spykers entry into the world of Formula One and marks the first integration of design elements and styling cues from the Spyker F8-VII Formula One car into the Spyker road car range. This point was underlined by the unveiling of the car being performed by Spykers Formula One race driver, Adrian Sutil. Good car !