Concept Car

Concept Car, Supercars, Sports Car, News

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R

BMW is to debut the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R at The Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach.

The car that celebrates both the 40th anniversary of BMW in North America and the racing success of the original 3.0 CSL in the 1975 IMSA series where BMW recorded its first win at the 12 Hours of Sebring.

This was followed by a succession of victories, culminating in the white 3.0 CSL securing the manufacturers' championship at the first attempt.

The Hommage designers focused their attention on the driver and his immediate surroundings. This new approach led them first to the
driver's helmet, race suit and seat before moving onto the lines and surfaces of the interior. 

As the layer of interaction closest to the driver, the helmet visor assumes the functions of the head up display and projects situation-
based information such as the car's speed, gear engaged and engine revs into the driver's direct field of view. 

The driver's race suit (a classical design by Puma) expresses the connection between the driver and the car so that If both the driver's hands are on the wheel, illuminated piping integrated into the sleeves shows the progress of information - from the shift impulse display, for example - out of the steering column over the driver's arms and into his visor. 

The side-section design of the large carbon-fibre seat shells reflects the anatomy of the seated driver for maximum support. 
A carbon-fibre roll cage integrated into the structure of the car's roof and side sections forms the basis for the interior's singularly minimalist geometry. 

The only "comfort" functions are the two vents on the sides of the steering column, which supply the driver with fresh air at ambient temperature. A small display provides the driver with secondary information such as lap times, overall race time and the car's current track position, as required. 

Other racing elements in the interior include red anodised safety features, such as the outlet nozzles for the fire extinguishing foam, the extinguisher itself, and the two switches on the centre console for the emergency shut-off and fire extinguishing mechanism. 

The exterior design of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R is framed by distinctive air deflectors, powerful wheel arches and a prominent rear spoiler, which reference the IMSA racing version of the original 3.0 CSL. 

The colours and graphics used and details such as the "Bavarian Motor Works" decals on the windscreen and rear window are also a nod to the 1975 racer.

The low, wide front end features a large version of the signature BMW kidney grille, while the surfaces and graphic accents in the front apron showcase the wheels and emphasise its broad, powerful stance. 

The long wheelbase and sweeping bonnet stretch the silhouette visually, while dark carbon-fibre surfaces contrast with the Brilliant White metallic paintwork.

At the rear a huge spoiler and carbon-fibre double diffuser combine with a contoured rear apron which draws the eye to the matt gold 21-inch light-alloy wheels with black inlays.

A strip of LEDs extend along the spoiler to link the two lights and provide a stylistic border for the rear end.

Crossover, Concept Car, SUV, News

Mazda to unveil new crossover concept in Frankfurt

The Mazda Koeru crossover SUV concept is set to make its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

Koeru - Japanese for 'exceed' or 'go beyond' - was the name chosen for Mazda's latest entry into the growing crossover SUV market, which features the company's trademark KODO - Soul of Motion design - expressing "the power and vitality of a predator along with a unique level of refined dignity", according to Mazda.

Mazda will also display its new-generation model line-up in Frankfurt with highlights including an all-new MX-5 complete with accessories as well as several SKYACTIV powertrains. 

Mazda's Frankfurt Motor Show press conference takes place on 15 September and the doors open to the public from 17-27 September.

Coupe, News, Sports Car, Concept Car

Aston Martin DB9 GT at Pebble Beach

Aston Martin's new 2016 DB9 GT will make its global debut as part of the marque's presence at the Pebble Beach
Automotive Week.

Aston Martin will also offer a glimpse of its 'Second Century' with the DBX concept, Lagonda Taraf and Vulcan supercar all set to make appearances.

The GT claims the title of the most potent DB9 yet devised, by virtue of its uprated 6.0-litre V12 engine which now pumps out 540bhp - accompanied by a raft of engineering, equipment and styling developments.

Aston Martin's 'Second Century' plan was announced by Dr. Andy Palmer after completion of his first 150 days as CEO of Aston Martin. A strategy for the ongoing development of the 102-year old sports car maker laid out the principle mid-term actions that will drive the growth of the company.

The DBX concept, now confirmed for production, signals expansion into the luxury GT crossover market as part of a wider strategy to develop the strongest and most diverse product portfolio in the company's history.

Having made a surprise global debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, Aston Martin says the DBX has generated interest beyond expectations. 

The 800+bhp Aston Martin Vulcan makes its second bow in North America following a New York debut in April and will also be on display alongside the DBX. Styled entirely in-house by the design team led by Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman, the Vulcan is powered by the most potent iteration yet of Aston Martin's naturally-aspirated, 7.0-litre V12 petrol engine, developed in conjunction with Aston Martin Racing.

Marking a first appearance in the North American market, the new Lagonda Taraf super saloon draws inspiration from the highly sought-after William Towns-designed Lagonda of 1976 and features many of the same cutting edge engineering techniques seen in modern Aston Martin sports cars, such as the extensive use of carbon fibre body panels.

The car is hand-built at Aston Martin's state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Gaydon in a dedicated building previously given over to the creation of the One-77 supercar. 

The Lagonda Taraf will be exclusively available for viewings to customers and invited guests as well as leading the marque's presence at Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on 14 August.

Guests will again be hosted at the exclusive Aston Martin Estate, a private venue, situated high above Carmel with panoramic views across the Monterey Bay, which will also serve as the location for a number of exclusive events including private viewings of new Aston Martins and test drives of the current line-up.

Concept Car, News

BMW concept cars to break cover at Monterey

BMW is to unveil two all-new concept cars during Monterey Car Week.

A teaser image gives little away as it shows a rendering of a minimalist steering controller. We’re not calling it a steering wheel as it appears to be more akin to aircraft controls.

Accredited media are being invited to the 'BMW at the 2015 Monterey Car Week' preview press conference on August 13 at the BMW Villa in Pebble Beach where, in celebration of its 40th anniversary, BMW of North America will unveil two world premier concept cars.

Public showings later that weekend are planned for The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering, Legends of the Autobahn Concours d'Elegance, Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Press Conference speakers will include Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO - BMW of North America LLC, Karim Habib, Director of BMW Design and Dirk Haecker, VP Research and Development - BMW M GmbH.

Concept Car, Crossover, News

Subaru XV gets new upgrades and tech

Subaru has confirmed a series of modifications and upgrades to the interior and chassis of its XV compact crossover.

Featuring what Subaru describes as 'the lowest centre of gravity in the compact crossover class - and the highest ground clearance', changes to the car's suspension have been designed to result in a smoother, more compliant ride but without sacrificing stability.

Among the changes to the upgraded and revised interior includes improved materials a well as an all-new touchscreen infotainment and navigation system. Subaru describes the interior as featuring a 'higher-quality' look and feel with the adoption of an all new instrument binnacle and new metallic and piano black accents throughout the cabin for the central console, dashboard and steering wheel switchgear. The new 7.0-inch touchscreen display allows smartphone-style control over the advanced navigation and infotainment features, with a swipe and pinch control function for map displays.

The driver's LCD instrument binnacle has been completely redesigned and features more upmarket, contemporary blue dials with new graphics. The infotainment display echoes the new blue glow of the driver's instrument binnacle and also now houses a standard-fit rear view camera, offering a wide 160-degree field of view behind the car when reversing.

Passengers can also now engage with the car's dashboard-top Multi-Function Display (MFD), which provides a range of information including the status of its permanent All-Wheel Drive system, as well as fuel economy and trip information.

The XV comes as standard with a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive powertrain and Vehicles Dynamics Control system. For the upgraded model, Subaru says the engineers' key focus was to improve the car's ride quality and reduce the intrusion of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) into the cabin. For both front and rear suspension, the dampers have had their pitch rate lowered, resulting in a 'smoother and more comfortable ride than earlier models', while reducing roll slightly.

The rear suspension features new spring rate settings to further improve stability under cornering by ensuring greater tyre contact with the road, while allowing for greater flexibility in ride over broken road surfaces.

Noise from inside the cabin has been reduced thanks to the more widespread application of sound-absorbent material throughout the car, further cutting the intrusion of vibrations and engine, wind and road noise into the cabin. This has been managed with the adoption of new under-bonnet insulators, extra sound-deadening material throughout the floor of the car, and sealing and sound-absorbing materials around the front and rear quarter lights and door lips.

In spite of the changes, the upgraded Subaru XV retains its existing on-the-road (OTR) price, with the range starting from £21,995 for the XV 2.0i SE to £25,995 OTR for the range-topping XV 2.0D SE Premium, and goes on sale this month.

Concept Car, Sports Car, News

Volkswagen develops Golf for the racetrack

Volkswagen Motorsport is developing a new Golf for the racetrack.

The production-based Golf is a 330 PS concept car, assembled in accordance with TCR regulations and is intended to help Volkswagen evaluate a potential customer racing programme from the 2016 season onwards.

Visually, the racing genes are clear to see, with 18-inch racing rims, a chassis roughly 40 centimetres wider than that of the production car, and a striking rear wing give the Golf a 'ready-to-race' look and first-class handling.

An aerodynamically designed front splitter and carbon rear wing are also among the modifications for the racetrack. On the inside, components designed to protect the driver include a racing seat with head protectors, a racing safety cell, and a safety tank in accordance with FIA regulations.

The new Golf is propelled by a powerful 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine with direct fuel injection, borrowed from the range-topping Golf R. The racing version of this engine generates 330 PS (243 kW) and 410 Nm of torque and is mated to a DSG gearbox with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

Volkswagen says the new Golf has been meticulously prepared for its outings at the racetrack. Volkswagen Motorsport is developing the car in cooperation with the sport department at SEAT, meaning it can call on SEAT's experience with the Leon Cup Racer. As with the Volkswagen Group's production vehicles, the MQB platform also offers many synergies for racing cars and reduces the cost of assembling and running the touring car.

In order to accelerate the development of the car, the new Golf will be tested under competitive conditions between now and the end of the season: as cooperation partner, the Liqui Moly Team Engstler will run two cars at the eighth round of the Touringcar Racer International Series (TCR) at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.

"The newly created TCR category provides a promising platform for customer racing - on a national and international level. With exciting races, production-based technology and reasonable costs, it offers a new outlook for private racing teams," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. "When developing the Golf-based concept car, we are able to fall back on the resources at Volkswagen. This reduces both development time and costs. We will also use the rest of the season to test the car under competitive conditions and evaluate a possible customer racing project from 2016."

Concept Car, Pick-up, Motorshow

VIDEO: Hyundai unveils Santa Cruz Concept at NAIAS

Hyundai has revealed a crossover truck concept at the Detroit Auto Show. The Santa Cruz is designed to offer more efficiency and manoeuvrability, and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel delivering 190bhp. The crossover is purposefully compact, focusing on the younger 'urban generation' who live in the city and who face tighter on street parking and  more congestion. Although the concept has four doors and seating for five, Hyundai says its overall footprint is similar to a small SUV.