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Archive for the ‘Luxury Car’ Category

With all the talk of tighter Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements lately (35.5 miles-per-gallon in 2016, and some legislators calling for 60 mpg nine years after that), a lot of us gearheads are understandably worried about the future. However, forcing automakers to devise substantially more efficient new cars might not be all bad news; to make such quantum leaps in fuel economy, cars will have to be noticeably lighter than they are now, because clean diesels, hybrid systems and the like won’t be enough by themselves. And in addition to increased efficiency, less mass also means better acceleration, braking and handling.

Against this backdrop, the people behind the Los Angeles Auto Show’s annual Design Challenge drafted the rules for this year’s contest thusly: Create a four-passenger vehicle weighing 1,000 lb. or less that is comfortable, safe, and delivers satisfactory performance and looks. When all was said and done, nine concepts from seven automakers (Daimler created one for each of its three passenger car brands) were submitted and, if you ask us, they’re all significantly less depressing than other people’s visions of our automotive future. But don’t take our word for it; make the jump and judge for yourselves.

Cadillac Aera

With a name that combines the words “aero” and “era,” GM’s entry is a low-slung 2+2 coupe with a claimed range of 1,000 miles. How does it manage such an outrageous figure? The Cadillac Aera uses a lightweight lattice structure inspired by forms found in nature (including clusters of bubbles), and is covered by a flexible polymer skin rather than hard body panels. Power comes from compressed air.

Honda Air

As its (rather humdrum) name suggests, Honda’s entry also harnesses compressed air for propulsion. The 800 lb.(!) vehicle also utilizes “turbo vacuums” and the flow of air while in motion to help re-pressurize the system, extending range by as much as 100 miles. The styling, meanwhile, takes inspiration from modern roller coasters, and the whole package rides on a quartet of hubless urethane wheels.

Maybach DRS

In what’s perhaps the biggest departure from what any entrant currently builds, Maybach has devised this two-wheeled pod whose name is short hand for “Den-Riki-Sha” (electric powered rickshaw). But the design isn’t the most outrageous element of this machine, which is a product of Mercedes-Benz’s Tokyo studio; no, that honor goes to the way it would be manufactured. You see, the DRS would be a naturally manufactured vehicle (NMV), whereby a small number of these things would be “grown” in a cocoon using a series of modified organic processes. Think Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage…only freakier.

Mazda MX-0

Given Mazda’s commitment to driving enjoyment, it should come as no surprise that its submission places equal emphasis on fun and efficiency. The open-wheeled MX-0 would utilize sustainable composite materials in its construction, and these materials would also be affordable thanks to an automated manufacturing process. Combine this lightweight skeleton with high-torque electric motors to move it along and you have a car with a spectacular power-to-weight ratio.

Mercedes-Benz Biome

In case Maybach’s effort doesn’t do enough to blur the line between living thing and machine, parent marque Mercedes-Benz created the curvaceous Biome. Rather than utilizing batteries or an air tank, the Biome stores its energy in its structure, which is made from a material called BioFibre. The vehicle absorbs energy from the sun via a liquid called BioNectar4534. Lastly, the whole vehicle would literally be grown from DNA contained in the Three-Pointed Star badge on the nose, and at the end of its life, the Biome can be reused as compost or building material. About the only thing Mercedes-Benz hasn’t confirmed is whether or not it’s safe to eat in case you get stranded in the middle of nowhere. Mmmm…veggie car…

Nissan iV

In keeping with the trend of this year’s entrants, Nissan has also decided to hire Mother Nature as a consultant with its vehicle’s structure. The resultant machine – the iV – features a structure derived from a fast-growing ivy (hence the name) and a spider silk composite. The cockpit is enclosed by a canopy made from a superlight photovoltaic material that sends current to the supercapacitors providing power. They, in turn, spin a set of patented concentric hubless wheels that, thanks to magnetic levitation, also provide steering and ride cushioning.

Smart 454 WWT

As Daimler AG’s lowest-priced and most cheeky brand, it should come as no surprise that Smart has come up with a concept that is cute and colorful, both in how it looks and how it’s made. Called the 454 WWT (“454” for the weight in kilograms, which is about 1,000 lb., and WWT, which stands for “Weight Watch Technologies”), this little number features a carbon fiber safety cell that is literally knit by “Smart Granny Robots” (Yes, the robots have been styled to resemble little old ladies.) The windows and bodywork have their color molded in, and the wheels – which are also carbon fiber – feature integral suspension.

Toyota NORI

Yet another plant-based whip, the monocoque of the NORI from Toyota combines a bioplastic made from nori (the Japanese word for “seaweed”) with carbon fiber. Solar cells are also woven into the combined vehicle structure (which Toyota calls “PODULAR”) to help charge the removable battery pack that drive the four in-wheel electric motors. Bored with the exterior color or texture? It can be changed electronically on the fly.

Volvo Air Motion

For decades, Volvo designed cars using only a ruler, or at least it seemed that way. For the last 10 years or so, though, they seem to have gotten a lot more adventurous, and the Air Motion – the Swedish firm’s entry in this competition – is no exception. The curvaceous, open top carbon fiber shell rests on four narrow, exposed wheels. As its name suggests, the Air Motion is pneumatically powered, topping off at filling stations that also harness the power of air via wind turbines floating 1,000 ft overhead that provide electricity to run compressors on the ground. Maybe the answer really is blowin’ in the wind.

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ENLARGE

Volvo S60 concept

Volvo S60

Vehicle type: 4-door coupe

Powertrain: 180-hp, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine

Debut: Detroit auto show

Designer: Orjan Sterner

What’s cool: Volvo’s take on the latest European styling trend — the 4-door coupe — is a sexy one. The swoopy sedan has muscular fenders and an in-your-face grille with an oversized Volvo badge that looks as if it were borrowed from a Volvo truck. The rear doors are hinged at the rear and swing back, clear of the body, to create a wide opening to the interior.

Will it be built? Yes; it goes on sale in mid- 2010.

Infiniti Essence

ENLARGE Infiniti Essence

Vehicle type: 2-passenger, 2-door coupe

Powertrain: Hybrid, 434-hp, 3.7-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 and 158-hp starter-generator; 592 combined hp

Debut: Geneva auto show

What’s cool: This is one gorgeous machine. It could be twice as gorgeous if they stretched the car, added two doors and turned the Essence into a lower-priced competitor for the Mercedes-Benz CLS coupelike sedan.

Will it be built? The automaker has said the Essence is a rear-drive design study for future Infiniti models. But Infiniti also said the Essence could be considered for production.

Honda CR-Z

ENLARGE Honda CR-Z Vehicle type: 2+2 hatchback Powertrain: Hybrid, with 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine Debut: Tokyo auto show Designers: Motoak Minowa, Makoto Iwaki What’s cool: Who says hybrids need to be limited to 4-door sedans? Green can be cool-looking. AutoWeek called it “Best in Show.” Will it be built? Yes. Look to the Detroit show in January for the real car. One change: It will be a 2-seater.

Fisker Karma S

ENLARGE Fisker Karma S Vehicle type: 2-door convertible with retractable hard top Powertrain: Hybrid from General Motors Co. Debut: Detroit auto show Designer: Henrik Fisker What’s cool: The powertrain can deliver 50 miles on electric power and an additional 250 miles once the gasoline engine cranks up. The folding metal hard top gives the car a sleek look. Will it be built? Yes, in 2011 — priced at around $87,900.

Chrysler 200C EV

ENLARGE Chrysler 200C EV Vehicle type: 4-door sedan Powertrain: Plug-in hybrid Debut: Detroit auto show Designer: Ralph Gilles, who at that time was Chrysler’s vice president of design What’s cool: Stunning, elegant design that’s still a head-turner. Will it be built? The 200C EV is built on a shortened version of Chrysler’s 300 platform. With Fiat now pulling the strings, Chrysler’s next-generation mid-sized cars will be developed on a front-drive Fiat Group platform. The body’s proportions might need to be modified for a Fiat platform, risking the beautiful balance of the design.

Lexus LF-Ch

ENLARGE Lexus LF-Ch Vehicle type: 5-door hatchback Powertrain: Hybrid Debut: Frankfurt auto show Designers: Tom Matsumoto, Alex Shen, Edward Lee, William Chergosky What’s cool: Practicality, fun to drive and eco-friendliness are what this premium, rear-drive compact is all about. Will it be built? Yes, likely unveiled at the Geneva auto show in March.

Toyota FT-86

ENLARGE Toyota FT-86 Vehicle type: 2-door 2-seater Powertrain: 2.0-liter engine from Subaru Debut: Tokyo auto show Designers: Designed at Toyota’s ED2 studio in Nice, France, and Newport Beach, Calif. What’s cool: This is a head-turning sports car — 2-passenger, rwd. Did someone say street racer? The badge says Toyota, but beneath the skin it’s all Subaru — engineering, manufacturing, even assembly. Will it be built? Yes, in 2011. A sub-$30,000 sticker price is talked about.

Cadillac Converj

ENLARGE Cadillac Converj Vehicle type: Coupe Powertrain: Plug-in hybrid Debut: Detroit auto show What’s cool: There is no mistaking the Converj for anything other than a Cadillac, with its creased body lines, vertical lights fore and aft, and egg crate grille. The concept shares the Chevrolet Volt hybrid powertrain. Will it be built? That’s the $64,000 question.

Bugatti Galibier 16C

ENLARGE Bugatti Galibier 16C Vehicle type: 4-door sedan Powertrain: 8.0-liter V-16, 2 superchargers; horsepower estimate: 800 to 1,000 Debut: Molsheim, France, the birthplace of Bugatti Motor Co. What’s cool: The Galibier 16C is “intended to be the most exclusive, elegant and powerful 4-door automobile in the world,” Bugatti says on its Web site. If produced, an asking price of around $1.5 million has been hinted at. The concept seats 4 and emphasizes luxury, not sportiness. Will it be built? Whether it is this car or something else, Bugatti wants to have a sedan in production by 2013. But how big is the market for a car that might cost over $1.5 million?

Audi Sportback

Vehicle type: 5-door hatchback

Powertrain: 3.0-liter, direct-injection, turbodiesel V-6

Debut: Detroit auto show

What’s cool: The Sportback refines Audi’s design vision, a minimal working of sheet metal that leaves the body decisive in shape and graceful in tone.

Will it be built? Yes. It’s the inspiration for what will be the Audi A7. The car is expected to arrive in 2011.