"The main characteristics of the design are the way its surface shapes are formed with a continuous flow from the front end until the back of the car" explains Ugur Sahin. The main inspiration came from Nature: "[...] we usually do not realize that everything in nature has its specific curves and flowing lines and it is very rare to spot perfectly straight lines." "The main goal was to implement this design aspect into a car which creates a relaxing, energetic, vibrant and confident feeling." The name of the concept reflects the concept of curve: in mathematics, "Locus" is a collection of points which share a common property, usually forming a continuous figure such as a curve. A curved sharp edged line starts at the very front, flowing through the middle section, slightly bending down after the A pillar and then rising up again at the rear wheel arches to follow its way back until the diffuser. The same curve language is also applied to the greenhouse and the design of the windows. The front has an aggressive look with the traditional Audi grille. The air intakes are shaped like the headlights to create a coherent feeling. The rear section is very organic with defined curves and subtle details, tail lights are designed to have integrated air outtakes underneath them to avoid any unnecessary details. The sleek design of the rear volume is defined by the dual exhaust tail pipes located at the very sides and by the dark surfaces of the diffuser.
The Audi Locus Concept is a sporty coupe which adopts an organic design language made of flowing curves. The author is Turkish designer Ugur Sahin. The Concept
Design
carbodydesign.com
Monday, May 7, 2007
Audi Locus Concept by Ugur Sahin
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Aston Marting Ferrari-like concept
So where is Aston Martin headed after Ford’s sale of the company to David Richards, John Sinders, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment Co? Well according to CEO, Ulrich Bez, the and will add another 1,000 to 2,000 cars to its total of 7,000. But now chairman, David Richards, is hinting that Aston Martin could be planning a mid-engined supercar that will compete with the likes of Ferrari.
In a recent press conference, “Aston has to look at some of the things that are being done by our competitors, like the Audi R8 and the Japanese brands. We believe we can expand quite considerably.” Also, at the purchase announcement, Bez said “It’s a sign of the confidence of the company that we could put a model above the Rapide.”
While there is no word at all on what the car will be called and what its specs will be eyes are on the Prodrive 2, a two-seat supercar concept with a Subaru WRX STI powertrain that showcased Aston’s engineering.
While the mid-engined supercar is a possibility in the future Aston says it isn’t a part of its five-year plan that runs from 2005 to 2010: “The investors have bought a profitable company with an agreed plan to the end of the decade, and there’s nothing mid-engined in that.”
source: egmcartech.com
Prodrive 2 Concept Gallery:
2007 Buick Riviera Concept
The Buick Riviera, a concept car designed to showcase Buick's new global design direction, made its global debut at the Auto Shanghai 2007.
The gullwing Riviera concept coupe was developed with global design input by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in China, a design and engineering joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC).
The Riviera has been engineered to accommodate a new hybrid system that will go into production at Shanghai GM, GM's flagship joint venture with SAIC, in 2008.
The fuel-efficient car, which will feature several technological and manufacturing advances, represents the latest achievement of GM and its partners in the promotion and development of alternative propulsion technologies in China.
The Buick Riviera, with its tightly stretched carbon fiber body panels, combination of positive and negative curves, strong front and rear identities and gullwing doors, captures the essence of Buick classics, Welburn said, while presenting a thoroughly 21st century design.
Exterior Design - A Sense Of Existence, Not Anonymity
To establish their design direction, PATAC designers looked in part to Buick icons such as the original Y-Job Concept of 1938, the 1960s Le Sabre, Electra 225 and the Riviera coupes of the 1960s and '70s.
The Riviera design is structured around the Buick tri-shield logo, sitting proudly on a trihedral waterfall grille which is formed by three meeting planes. This takes the traditional Buick treatment to a new level of sophisticated boldness.
The Buick logo leads into a reflective strip through the hood, a mark of respect to the distinctive mid-hood crease prevalent in classic Buicks. Elongated LED headlamps flow up the hood sides to three-section, top-mounted chrome portholes as a single piece of jewelry.
The logo, hood strip, headlamps, side mirrors and rocker covers all have 'icy green' backlighting available at night, matched by backlit logo and exhausts at the rear.
Designers have cleverly incorporated several other design signatures from the original Riviera generation. They include the "double sweep spear" line along the bodyside and the flared tail design. In this theme, the 'Shell Blue' exterior color was chosen to elicit the right level of attention. The color is a metallic silver with light blue accents, perfectly highlighting the coupe's exterior curves.
The gullwing doors, selected for their exotic appeal, achieve an expansive entrance to the two-plus-two seating configuration. Measuring 1938 millimeters at their widest point, they add to the coupe's sleek sideline. At night, fully opened doors gently shine the "Buick" name on the ground.
The Riviera sits on 21-inch 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels, combining polished and satin finishes, with low-profile tires. Taking their cue from Formula One cars, the side mirrors are sweeping yet unobtrusive.
Interior Design - All About Relaxation
In a word - sanctuary. The use of rich blue and subtle creams, representing earth and water themes, are conveyed through high-quality leather bucket seats, plush carpet and a luxurious padded steering wheel. Completing the organic feel, the roof comprises two shaded glass windows offering increased headroom and a celestial connection for occupants.
The three-dimensional speedometer, inspired by past classics but utterly modern in design, compliments the touchpad styled central console loosely modeled on a computer mouse. An LCD display screen crowns the central console.
from rsportscars.com
Honda S2000 Concept
The American Honda Motor Co. launched the race-inspired model of the S2000 roadster at the recent New York International Show. The racer model will be available at the dealers by September 2007.
The entire body of the roadster is reworked to fit the new model in a racer’s shoe. The aerodynamic body package is the most important feature of this aggressive performer on the roads. The body weight has been reduced considerably and the chassis balance is improved giving an easy feel to it in stressful driving conditions.
The chassis is featured with Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires. Apart from the bigger rear tyre and better springs and dampers, the new model is provided with larger stabilizer bars and a new wheel design, ensuring a quicker steering ratio.
The body is now featured with a removable hard aluminum top to replace the original soft top present in the S2000 base model. When removed, the weight of the car gets reduced by 90 pounds.
Then comes the engine efficiency. Capable of delivering 237 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and a 162 lb-ft of torque at 6,8000 rpm, this engine is not far behind its counterparts on the racing roads. The performance guarantee is strengthened by the additional care taken in modifying the front and rear double wishbone suspension and adding an electric power steering and a torque-sensing limited slip differential.
The interior has been reworked considering the growing demands from the car enthusiasts across the world. The new cloth seating, the spherical aluminum shifter and the carbon fiber-style trim panels are innovative interior features of S2000 CR. The car also comes with optional air conditioning and AM/FM stereo and CD player.
source: 2fastlist.com
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Audi Q5 Concept
For us it’s just 12:53 on April 19th, but in China today it’s the kick off of the first day of the Shanghai Auto Show and we just learned that Audi will unveil the new S07 Concept at the Shanghai Auto Show on Friday. According to Audi’s Chinese website, the German auto maker will unveil a compact SUV/crossover that will be powered by a TDI engine.
It is most likely a concept version of the long rumored Q5 SUV that is expected to be built with insperation from the new Audi A5. If and when put into production, the Q5 will comepete with the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLK and the BMW X3.
from: eGMCarTech.com
Monday, April 16, 2007
Spadaconcept Codatronca Concept
Spadaconcept is a new Italian design studio founded by Ercole Spada, his son Paolo Spada, manager Domiziano Boschi and designer Wojtek Sokolowski. With the TS Codatronca project, their goal is to revive the classic Italian sportscar concept, which mixes modern technology with tradition.
The technical basis is provided by the Chevrolet Corvette; both the chassis and the engine have undergone numerous changes in order to improve performances.
The TS Codatronca will be produced in partnership with UKGarage in a limited series.
According to the first information, it will be available in three versions: TS "Turismo Sportivo" (512 hp), TSV "Turismo Sportivo Veloce" (513 hp) e TSS "Turismo Super Sportivo" (700 hp, 950 Nm, 355 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 2.7 seconds).
The design
The design language of the TS Codatronca makes use of a mix of styling cues from the designers' past projects.The shooting-brake silhouette and the truncated tail, which gives the car its name ("Coda Tronca" is "Truncated Tail" in Italian) is a claimed homage to the 1960s Alfa Romeo specials created by Ercole Spada himself. The typical tail design was one of the main design elements of the Giulietta SZ, the Giulia TZ and the Giulia TZ2.
Compared to these classic Italian GTs, the TS Codatronca adopts a different surface design.
The body features sharp edges and straight cutlines that are quite different from the smooth and soft volumes of the 1960s Alfas.
The front end has some similarities with the Ferrari FZ93 Concept, created by Spada in 1993, especially in the hood surface and the front spoiler.
Further styling elements are shared with the Ferrari 595 Daytona Concept, created in 2005 by Wojtek Sokolowski (together with Ivan Telesca) for the Ferrari - New Concepts for the Myth design competition.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Velozzi Electric Concept
R&D Group Velozzi has developed an electric car concept to compete in the Automotive X Prize competition. The sporty vehicle is powered by two electric motors and has a design inspired by classic Italian sportscars.
With this in-house developed hybrid vehicle, Velozzi will participate to the 2009 Automotive X Prize challenge, a racing event open to alternative energy concept vehicles, specifically developed for production.
Among the goals of the competition is the development of a viable production car which can be desirable. Velozzi Group has choosen to create a classic sportscar with a design inspired by Italian GTs.
For Velozzi's team the challenge will be to integrate all the hi-tech features (such as composite chassis and racing suspensions) in a "viable" project. This extreme hybrid sportscar is powered by two AC electric motors, with lithium ion battery pack, which can be recharged by an on-board micro turbine running on several tuypes of fuels. Claimed performances are a top speed of 200 mph and a 0-60 mph acceleration in under 3 seconds.
Among the technical highlights are the carbon fiber body and chassis, F1-derived gearbox and racing suspensions and brakes.
About Automotive X Prize
The goal of the competition is to stimulate technology, manufacturing and marketing innovations, in order to reduce oil consumption and harmful emissions. The theme is a super-efficient vehicle (100-250 mpg) which can also be desirable and marketable. The winner will receive 25 million dollars to license technology to automakers.
About Velozzi
Beverly Hills-based Velozzi is a Research and Development Organization that works in the field of alternative energy vehicles and alternative fuels. It employes scientists, car designers and engineers. Clients and partnerships include JPL-NASA, Pasadena Art Center, U.S. Armed Forces and Sony Corporation. President of Velozzi is Roberto Jerez, car designer and winner of the 2006 Michelin Design Challenge.
source: carbodydesign.com
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Infinity EX | Part 3 (more interrior photos)
The Infiniti EX Concept, with its seductive, coupe-inspired design and luxurious interior, is a preview of the all-new Infiniti EX35 luxury crossover SUV. The EX Concept also showcases two innovative systems that are expected to be the first production versions in the world. The AVM system utilizes front, side and rear-mounted cameras to help reduce the blind spots when parking, while the LDP system takes Infiniti’s currently available Lane Departure Warning System into a new dimension of safety by actively using the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to help assist the driver in maintaining lane position if the vehicle inadvertently starts to drift out of the lane.
Like every Infiniti model, the EX Concept also emphasizes exhilarating driving performance, combining V6 power, a 5-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The EX Concept exterior includes many signature Infiniti touches, including the double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), integrated fog lights, distinctive LED taillights and “dynamic arch” profile. The most striking exterior design element of the EX Concept is its dramatic liquid crystal full-length glass roof panel that is able to change from transparent to translucent via input from a special touch sensor system.
Inside, the EX Concept’s rich, leather-appointed and aluminum-alloy trimmed interior offers plenty of passenger luxury – with deep, supportive seats and an ambient lighting system that includes special indirect headrest illumination.
Infinity EX | Part 2
The EX Concept is one of those concept-in-name-only vehicles automakers love to trot out at auto shows throughout the year. Sure, the concept car's gee-whiz liquid crystal roof won't make it to production, but just about everything else will when it bows in showrooms later this year as the EX35.
Continued- Article, hi-res image gallery, official press release
"E" comes before "F," and appropriately, the EX will be slotted just below its slightly larger brother, the FX35/45. As its likely nomenclature suggests, the EX would be powered by a 3.5L V6. It sits on a 112" wheelbase and (the concept car, at least) rolls on a set of 19" wheels and tires.
In the looks department, the EX grafts the new G35's face onto a crossover body. Overall, the look is very tidy and appealing -- moreso than the angrier-looking FX. We haven't got shots of the interior yet, but expect to see the usual level of detail with the new Infiniti products. We'll have more on the EX for you next week when the show is kicked off. From the looks of things, Infiniti's going to have a winner on its hands when it materializes in dealerships.
[Source: thecarblogger.blogspot.com]
Ferrari Fiorano Concept
Created in 2005 at Turin-based IED by Giangiacomo Barbero and Hyun Ho, the Ferrari Fiorano Concept was one of the finalist projects in the "Ferrari - Concept of a Myth" Competition.
The Fiorano is inspired by Sport GT racing cars and by innovative aerodynamics concepts: one of the main goals of the project was to create a sportscar with a very high aerodynamic downforce.
It is powered by a V12 central engine, so it would be positioned above the F430 model lineup, being a virtual successor to the 1984 Testarossa.
The exterior body uses a design language that originates from various sources: stealth fighters, Comanche helicopters and ocean creatures like the hammerhead shark.
Some photos of creation process:
information from carbodydesign.com
Hyundai Veloster Concept
Styled at Hyundai´s Design and Technical Center at Namyang, the Veloster (codenamed HND-3) coupe is the third in a series of daring concept cars to be developed by the central styling studio in Korea.
The Veloster name, a compound of velocity and roadster evokes the sporty characteristics of a classic two-plus-two. A panoramic glass roof and other futuristic styling cues help project a high-tech image.
Designed to cater to the tastes of the Y-generation, Veloster combines simple, iconic design with good value and robust construction.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Chevrolet Beat Concept
Chevrolet Beat : Designed to evoke the mood of a speedy micro import tuner, the Beat is a front-wheel-drive, three-door hatchback concept built to be personalized, and powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to an automatic transmission. It’s loaded with technology, including a navigation system and premium stereo.
Built on GM’s global mini architecture, these concepts demonstrate the flexibility, creativity and innovative focus of design in GM’s Asia Pacific region. The Chevrolet Beat concept, a running prototype of a micro import tuner, was built in India; while the Chevrolet Groove and Trax micro urban crossover concepts were built at the GM Tech Center in Warren, Mich.
The Chevrolet Beat concept was designed and built leveraging GM’s Global Product Development process, created from best practices around the world that integrate design, engineering, powertrain and manufacturing organizations to ensure each vehicle program meets its quality, timing and business targets, yet is responsive to the needs in regional markets.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
BMW X6 - new photos
"Hey, look. It's a new BMW X6 test mule that doesn't look like some reject from Wolfenstain 3D. Winding Road offers up new shots of what's passing for the upcoming Bimmer crossover these days, disguised amid an assemblage of BMW body panels. Built on the X5 platform, the new model will compete with the Mercedes R-Class for dominance in the luxury don't-call-it-a-minivan category. Whoo!"
Here’s the latest computer graphic imagery of the BMW X6. Can see that it’s gained a “Bangle butt”, a common design characteristic of all the new Chris Bangle designed BMWs. The BMW X6 is supposed to be a cross-over SUV and coupe type of vehicle. The chassis itself has already been through testing stages at Germany’s Nurburgring test track.
