Hot Cars

Chevy Trax Concept

The Chevrolet Trax is one of three Chevrolet minicar global concepts that General Motors will unveil at the New York International Auto Show on April 4. Designed to appeal to young car buyers in urban markets, these concepts will prove that art needn’t take a back seat just because the canvas is small. The highly creative concepts drive the energy, diversity and excitement of urban life into cars that deliver good-looking fun, fuel economy and value.

After the April 4 unveiling, democracy lovers will get the chance to pick their favorite by visiting www.vote4chevrolet.com and cast their vote for the concept they prefer. The results will help Chevy determine U.S. market interest in the minicar segment, and which design resonates best with potential buyers.

All three concepts were designed at GM’ s Design Studio in Incheon, South Korea, one of GM’s 11 Global Design Studios. Built on GM’s global mini architecture, they demonstrate the flexibility, creativity and innovative focus of design in GM’s Asia Pacific region.

“These concepts highlight the strength and diversity of GM’s Global Design capabilities, as well as the ability of our Global Product Development team to anticipate and quickly meet the evolving needs of our diverse markets around the world,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, GM Global Design.

The four-door Trax is powered by a 1-liter gasoline engine. The upper part of the exterior is bathed in Blaze Orange, while lower corner panels sport a Burnt Orange matte finish. The paint combination provides a look that reinforces the notion this Chevrolet is all business despite its small size.

World Premiere Of Toyota Hybrid X Concept

Toyota presents a world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show with the reveal of Hybrid X, a concept car that proposes a new design language for hybrid models, while also acting as an innovative technology showcase for future generation hybrid cars. Hybrid X is a vision for future environmentally friendly motoring. It fits clearly within Toyota’s environmental strategy of offering sustainable mobility for modern families. Hybrid X further extends the use of Hybrid Synergy Drive® which is becoming an enabler for vehicle concept innovation and allowing Toyota to push forward to new frontiers.

Hybrid X is designed as a four-door, four-seat open-space concept. It has the dimensions of a conventional family car with an overall length of 4,500mm and wheelbase of 2,800mm. The width is 1,850mm and height 1,440mm.

Hybrid X has been created and developed by Toyota’s European styling centre, ED², in the south of France. It proposes unconventional creative solutions that will themselves potentially become the signature points of a specific hybrid identity.

Hybrid X follows the core values of the Toyota brand design philosophy under two consistent themes: J-Factor and Vibrant Clarity. J-Factor refers to the local and global acceptance of Japanese-inspired design and cultural form, while Vibrant Clarity is the design language used to express the J-Factor. Through Vibrant Clarity, designers will infuse future vehicles with a completely original identity and emotional intensity that will be uniquely identifiable as coming from Toyota.

Interior designer, Laurent Bouzige, says: “Hybrid X is conceived as a multi-sensory experience. There is a formal style in the shape of the vehicle and the material used but every other reaction is linked to the passengers’ senses of sound, smell, sight and touch through interactive ambience.”

The strongest form element of the exterior shape is the two ‘U’ shapes created by the massive upper glass frame area and the unconventional A and C pillars. When viewed from above this gives the impression of a vast X – hence the name of the concept, Hybrid X.

The U-shaped pillars allow the general shape of Hybrid X to achieve a superior aerodynamic form, which is further enhanced by smooth surface lines and the integrated rear spoiler.

At the same time, the glass area greatly enhances visibility to create an ‘open-space’ concept which ‘frames the vision’ in all directions, including up.

Access and innovation are features of the rear-hinged passenger doors which open electronically at the touch of a button. Dynamic hints of driving performance are provided by the customised 20-inch alloy wheels with ultra-low profile 225/40 R20 tyres.

The smooth, aerodynamic lines of the front are unbroken by headlamps. Instead, these are integrated into the dashboard and are now part of the car’s interior. These LED lamps are ‘intelligent’ and display graphic forms through animation, adopting the interactive concept of Hybrid X to communicate safety information to pedestrians or other drivers, such as safety distances, acceleration and braking.

Across the rear the energy-efficient LED lights form another U shape, reflecting the design signature of vehicle as a whole.

The driver can set the ambience within the car via an interface controlling the four senses of sight, sound, touch and smell. LED lighting systems within the car provide a variety of illumination and change in harmony with different musical backgrounds. A perfume diffuser fills the air with a gentle, relaxing aroma, while the use of many different materials and textures on the interior surfaces provides variety to the touch.

The drive-by-wire steering pad features a central screen that relays vital information to the driver about the energy flow path, fuel consumption and gear position. Interactive navigation and Bluetooth connectivity are provided by a second screen in front of the driver.

A third touch screen in the console controls the ambience settings, such as the entertainment and audio systems, lighting operation and air conditioning. A sensitive touch control on the steering pad allows the driver to switch the information displayed on the screens.

The space saving seats are formed using injected foam techniques, which make them comfortable and reduce weight. In order to further promote human interaction, the two independent rear seats can be swivelled by 12 degrees to let passengers enjoy the scenery or a more intimate tête-à-tête.

For now, it is clear Hybrid X is an innovative vehicle that conceives how Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology can deliver economical, cleaner and more comfortable motoring. It is a step closer to Toyota’s vision of the ultimate environmental driving technology and its design will influence the entire Toyota brand and its hybrid models in the future.

SEAT Altea Freetrack Prototype On Display At Geneva Motor Show

SEAT is tantalising those visiting its Geneva Motor Show stand this year with a dramatic concept that points the way to a future production car: the Altea Freetrack Prototype. Far from being a mere styling exercise for the Technical Centre in Martorell, the concept gives a preview of the design and technological innovations of the Altea Freetrack, destined to arrive in the near future.

The Freetrack Prototype is 185 mm higher than the Altea XL on which it is based, which results in impressive approach, departure and ramp breakover angles. These features, combined with its full four-wheel-drive system, make the Freetrack Prototype a genuine off-roader.

The Altea Freetrack Prototype has an aggressive look that reflects its adventurous character, and yet it retains the dynamic look that is expected of the Spanish brand. Moving inside, the model’s 2+2 layout and racing-style bucket seats are the most eye-catching details. In addition, there is a storage area situated between the rear seats, incorporating two practical foldaway trays.

Power comes from SEAT’s 240 PS 2.0 T FSI engine, which recently debuted in the new Leon Cupra, coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox. With this potent engine, the Freetrack Prototype is a car that can satisfy many demands: it has the loading capacity and interior space of a family vehicle, the technology and capability of a 4×4, and the thrills and performance of a sports car.

The principal change is a chassis with 310 mm of ground clearance. The Altea Freetrack Prototype measures 1,766 mm in total, making its angles of approach and departure and its ramp breakover angle those of a true off-roader: 26°, 29° and 23° respectively. The model’s width has also been increased by 60 mm, mainly to accommodate the imposing 255/50 tyres mounted on 8J x 19” wheels.

Plastic side guards with aluminium inserts, which protect the body against knocks from rocks and other obstacles, leave no doubt as to the robust nature of the Altea Freetrack Prototype.

At the front, there is an attention-grabbing exclusive bumper with square grille air intakes, a new feature compared with recent SEAT design. The bumper itself is totally smooth with no moulding or edges, while the lower section incorporates two LED fog lights with aluminium casings.

At the rear of the vehicle, the standout feature is the spare wheel which is fitted into the hatchback, covered with trim bearing the SEAT logo. Two triangular-shaped tailpipes integrated into the bumper also catch the eye, while the tail lights are made with transparent glass.

Viewed side on, the impressive five-spoke 19” wheels really demand attention. Plastic guards located on the lower part of the doors and over the wheelarches give the Altea Freetrack Prototype the undeniable air of a 4×4. A further noteworthy element are the door mirrors, featuring integral indicator lamps, which are located on the doors and not on the A-pillars.

The Altea Freetrack Prototype has been designed to enable customers to enjoy the great outdoors and access areas which are out of reach of most vehicles. A stunning panoramic tinted roof makes the most of the view, while also preventing too much sunlight from entering the cabin and overheating the interior. The luggage rack, exclusive to this model, is also located on the roof.

One feature that cannot be missed is the colour used for the concept: an exclusive matt white finish, developed exclusively for this prototype.

The interior is truly luxurious, with two-tone brown and white leather upholstery, individual bucket seats, and front seats that can be electronically adjusted.

The centre console really catches the eye. Two screens concentrate driving data in the upper section, including that for off-road driving, with air conditioning information in the lower section. The air vents are a new design, exclusive to Freetrack.

The 2.0 T FSI engine’s power is directed to the four wheels via a Haldex-type arrangement with a hydro-mechanical connection and electronic control, to ensure that the tractive force is distributed permanently in a progressive and precise manner.

As such, the Altea Freetrack Prototype represents the ideal solution for anyone who wants to explore the most challenging off-road terrain with the whole family, but is also looking for a high-performance car that allows them to enjoy on-road motoring to the full.

Dodge Demon Roadster Concept Revealed

The Dodge Demon concept is a compact, nimble “roadster with an attitude,” a perfect balance of classic sports car proportion and simplicity blended with modern design and performance. The vehicle will be shown for the first time at the 77th International Motor Show in Geneva next month. “While the iconic Dodge Viper is a dream car for many, the Dodge Demon is designed to be an attainable dream car,” said Jae Chung – Dodge Demon Principal Exterior Designer, Chrysler Group. “The exterior design is simple yet bold, featuring an energetic combination of curves and intersecting planes.”

The bodyside of the Dodge Demon main character line flows up and over the front wheel, then drops diagonally to an angular color-keyed vent on the rear fender that directs cooling air to the rear brakes. In similar fashion, the compound rear fender surface curves up and over the rear wheel, sweeping into a broad diagonal plane extending to the taillamp. The resulting muscular fender form projects boldly beyond the main body, underscoring that the Dodge Demon concept is a rear-wheel-drive machine.

The rear surface of the body is divided into three planes with two chamfered outboard planes, dominated by long, tapering trapezoidal taillamps. The taillamps sport translucent red inset lenses that surround LED back-up lamps.

Up front, the signature Dodge crosshair grille is stuffed into an aggressive, menacing, trapezoidal opening that thrusts boldly forward.

Set into elongated angled triangles, the projector headlamps, delineated by bright rings, are set into black chrome bezels, giving the front end mean-looking “eyes” that accentuate the grille opening. Encompassing the upper portions of the front fenders and sporting two recessed air outlets, the Dodge Demon’s hood is hinged at the front, adding a just-for-fun performance-car look and feel.

Featuring an open-spoke design, the wheels are pushed to the corners of the body for a dramatic stance and capable performance. The 19-inch brushed aluminum wheels are set into assertive, asymmetrical openings that reprise the body’s playful combination of curves and planes.

The beltline kicks up at the rear and into the higher deck lid contour, giving the lucky occupants an encapsulated, protective feeling.

“In the manner of timeless British sports cars, the interior of the Dodge Demon is purposely functional, not frivolous,” said Dan Zimmermann – Dodge Demon Principal Interior Designer. “Everything relating to the driving experience is emphasized, while that which is not is made visually secondary.

“The well laid out instrument panel, for example, is familiar, yet modern. Everything you really need – the gauges, circular AC outlets, radio – is encapsulated in a cross-car brushed aluminum bezel that also accentuates the width of the cabin. Secondary controls and features, such as the HVAC knobs and the passenger-side glove box, are located below this bezel,” Zimmermann added.

In a similar functional manner, the floor console is deliberately not a part of, or attached to, the instrument panel. The console is dominated by the squat ready-at-hand silver and black manual shift knob, and its leather boot is set into a bright trim ring. The wide, brushed aluminum console bezel also incorporates the recessed emergency brake handle, with the window switch gear, softly lit cup holders and 12V power outlet organized into a graphically unified shape. The upper portion of the instrument panel, including the cluster brow, is accented by a stitched seam with contrasting silver thread.

“Each of these features is set flush, or nearly flush, with the bezel surface so as to establish a ‘clear zone’ for the driver’s shift arm in all seating positions, with nothing in the way of the driving experience,” Zimmermann said.

The raised plateau at the rear of the console incorporates a covered storage bin – with a lid that serves as an armrest between shifts – while the portion of the console extending under the instrument panel has an open bin handy for incidentals.

The steering wheel employs an aluminum open-spoke design with each of the three spokes intersecting the small circular hub for a timeless sports car look. The wheel rim itself is brushed aluminum on the inside, complemented with stitched vinyl on the outer rim. Immediately forward of the wheel, the four-gauge cluster features classic white-on-black dials with graphics inspired by sports watches. Each circular gauge is set handsomely inside a finely detailed silver and chrome bezel ring, while gauge pointers are colored to match the exterior.

The doors feature durable, vertical grab handles, each anchored to a silver bezel housing the chrome door remote handle. The lower portion of each door features a stylish brushed aluminum bezel that encapsulates the large circular speaker grille and then drops sharply as it moves rearward to form the map pocket outer panel, mimicking a feature line on the car’s exterior.

The Dodge Demon’s seats feature contoured bolsters that are just high enough to provide support when cornering, yet do not hinder ingress or egress. Set in exposed low-gloss carbon fiber shells, the black seats with integral head restraints feature inserts of textured “Momentum” fabric mated to fabric bolsters, with specific sew lines accented by silver thread. Individual brushed aluminum and carbon fiber roll bars are positioned directly behind the bucket seats. With long seat tracks, there is ample storage behind the seats. Additional covered storage is provided in the bulkhead between the seats.

The Dodge Demon concept is an affordable Dodge sports car which merges brand cues of bold design and powerful performance with an open-air “fun-to-drive” attitude.

Peugeot Holland & Holland 4007 Concept

To coincide with the public world premiere of the 4007 at Geneva, Peugeot is unveiling a highly exclusive exercise in style produced in collaboration with luxury manufacturer Holland&Holland, recognised for its spirit of adventure.

Exterior
The pearlescent Hagénias Bronze body colour paintwork combines harmoniously with the vehicle’s chrome detailing to accentuate the exclusive nature of this 4007 by emphasising its power and feline qualities combined with the presence of its style and ‘all-terrain’ character.

Water-resistant leather features on the door mirror casings and roof bars, while the “Holland&Holland” logo, the hood of a royal falcon, is applied to the rear quarter panels. Large 20″ alloy wheels, machined from a single block in a unique fourfold design, add presence to the vehicle’s exclusivity.

Interior

Only when you are in the vehicle does the creative alliance between the Peugeot Style Centre and Holland&Holland teams become more apparent. A blend of “Ebony” and “Chartreuse Green” leathers (Holland&Holland colour codes) enhanced by smooth leather edging and original stitching, creates a natural, exclusive and innovative feel.

The leather trim covering the passenger compartment is entirely hand-crafted by leather
craftsmen from the Peugeot Style Centre. It blends harmoniously with the shape of the fascia panel, the special finish of the seats and the design of the door panels.

The Ebony wool felt floor and its embroidered carpets create a soft and warm environment. Ruthenium styled parts in dark chrome reinforce the exclusivity of the vehicle, particularly around the console and drive mode selector (two-wheel drive, 4×4 or “lock” modes).

At the rear, behind the split tailgate which opens in two sections, a large boot concealing two
retractable seats houses a fantastic luggage compartment specially made by Holland&Holland.

Under the bonnet of this exclusive 4007 lies the 2.2-litre HDi engine developing a power of 115 kW (156 bhp) and a high torque of 380 Nm. A Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS) is also included as standard.

Peugeot Modif

Automobile industry has seen various changes in past few years. Trend for compact hybrid cars is at its peak now a days. Several new designs are shaped every day and there is lot more to come.

Peugeot Modif is a fabulous design for a hybrid car that will be very successful in small towns and tight places. It has a two tone color scheme and the center of this is the large rubber tube-like center shaft that allows the car to squeeze up to 88 centimeters and also provides the front of the car with flexibility to swivel from side to side 18.5 degrees for better drive.

Each tire having six special pads holding sensors to intimate the driver for adjustment of car according to road conditions. Inside each massive wheel is a powerful hydrogen hybrid engine. 80% of the material used to make is renewable, the a rubber element in the front part houses the oil, water and CPU.

The cockpit of the car is covered by a large bubble top one-piece window that provides the passenger and the driver with an unobstructed view up to 360 degrees. Rare view cameras on both sides constantly provide with the status of the road behind on a screen embedded on the dashboard. It also features a high-discharge red led emergency light on the top for you to cherish a V.I.P. feeling. The exhaust pipe is positioned in the center that only emits water.

Just beware of cars and trucks together