Kia KOUP Concept
Filed under: Auto Show Pictures, Concept Cars, Coupes, Kia, New York International Auto Show
Tags: Korean, koup
Kia just had the global debut of the KOUP concept at the 2008 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). The simple yet bold and aggressive KOUP exterior is complemented by its realistic and sleek interior design. Originating from the Kia Motors America Design Center in Irvine, Calif., the KOUP concept embodies Kia’s philosophy of “Exciting and Enabling” with its balanced proportions and fluid design set to evoke an emotional driving experience.
From the tab-shaped and purposeful upper grille to the high-tech and pragmatic headlamps, the front fascia’s form gives the vehicle a bold and aggressive stance. The KOUP features an uncomplicated yet dynamic wedge shape along its sides stemming from its glowing, carbon fiber and black chrome enhanced LED headlamp lenses.
While the KOUP’s overall form is simple and precise, it makes a design statement with positive tension created by a “swoosh” that swoops from the “C” pillar forward, down to the “A” pillar and flares all the way back around to the rear deck lid. A trailing horizontal lip along the deck lid tapers up toward the outer ends to meet up with the swoosh from the beltline. The rocker sill has a distinctive “check mark” shape and prominent wheel flares that give the KOUP a strong, lowered stance.
No element of high-style design is missing in the KOUP concept as illustrated by its greenhouse-integrated, panoramic-view glass with two panels extending from the windshield through the roof to the backlight, appearing as two parallel pieces of glass - similar to a fighter jet cockpit. Segregating the glass panels, an interior mood light runs the full length of the greenhouse. To further the performance-inspired appearance with sporty elegance, carbon fiber enhancements accent the KOUP’s chin spoiler, headlamp lenses, cowl panel, side-view mirrors, rear bumper insert and rear diffuser, while flashy twin wheel spokes include carbon fiber inserts paired with an open design to show off the Brembo® calipers and cross-drilled rotors.
The KOUP’s interior hones in on the desires of auto enthusiasts from the inward lean of the dashboard and Supervision instrument panel, enhancing the performance-inspired driving experience to the custom-designed, race-inspired steering wheel in front of a three-gauge instrument cluster. Carbon fiber accents on the shifter plate and seat tilt-adjust mechanism reinforce sporty performance.
Eight speakers, including large rear deck speakers matched to a juke box audio system, further harmonize the driving experience. A built-in Bluetooth-enabled navigation system with Map On Demand (MOD) also are featured.
A true driver’s car, the front seats contrast the rear seats with opposing colors (concrete and black) and patterning. Horizontal, padded silicone bars occupy the seat backs for extra comfort. A convenient smart key with push button start and a six-speed automatic transmission with steering column-mounted paddle shifters completes the package.
Powered by a commanding 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower paired with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger for greater power and efficiency, the KOUP delivers astonishing torque of 289 lb-ft at a low 2,000 rpm sustained to 4,000 rpm. Lower grille openings enable additional air intake for extra power.
Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, coil springs and stabilizer bars complement an independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts and an independent dual link rear suspension. In keeping with the KOUP’s sporty essence, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) for quick movements and sharp turns paired with a sport-tuned, four-wheel independent suspension and strut tower bar offer a tighter grip for more spirited driving.
The large 245/40ZR19 tires complete the KOUP’s impressive package. Also included is adaptive front lighting and cruise control, adding to the KOUP’s advanced safety technology.
Scion Hako Coupe Concept Unveiled
Filed under: Auto Show Pictures, Concept Cars, Coupes, New York International Auto Show, Scion
Tags: hako, Japanese
Scion unveiled its Hako Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.
Scion’s Hako Coupe was developed by Tokyo Design Division, which studied global, youth-inspired trends. Japanese and American youth cultures often influence each other and are interpreted with a unique twist. The Hako Coupe Concept was inspired by the iconic xB and the emergence of American vintage style among young Tokyo trendsetters.
“Scion’s Hako Coupe Concept embodies a distinct global perspective on today’s youth,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “This type of forward thinking complements the Scion philosophy of intently listening to our customers and being willing to take risks to help us see where our brand should be. We took the xB’s iconic boxy shape and explored something more vivacious, yet just as emotionally appealing. This concept is the sporty version of a box.”
Tokyo Design developed the Hako Coupe with classic American coupes in mind. The car’s geometric profile conveys a powerful stance in a compact and bold package. Its trapezoidal LED headlights lie parallel with a large and aggressive, rectangular upper grille. The lower rectangular grille anchors the front fascia and continues to communicate the Hako’s aggressive attitude. Round fog lights, symmetrically placed high on the front bumper, have integrated turn signals.
The Hako’s silhouette is accentuated by slim, race-car-inspired side mirrors that also feature integrated turn signals. Powerful, flared fenders add dimension and contrast to the concept’s boxy shape and smooth surface planes. The Hako concept hugs the road with custom 18-inch deep dish five-spoke wheels and tires with a “Scion” custom tread.
The Hako Coupe features a vertical windshield as the concept sits upright and ready to attack the road. A high linear beltline along with a blackened and chopped greenhouse seamlessly wrap around the rear to provide a mysterious profile. As an example of potential personalization, the concept is equipped with a flat, panorama roof that features a random, barcode-like pattern that can be seen on the exterior and from the interior.
The rear features LED taillights that echo the shape of the headlights. To complete the package, the rear bumper has an integrated fog and back up light on the left and exhaust on the right.
Inside, the Hako is accented with orange and metallic detailing that exudes a modern environment with entertainment possibilities. The front and rear seats are covered with urethane and rubber-like upholstery for easy cleaning. The contemporary front bucket seats flow to the floor and incorporate a geometric design on the seatback. The seats are separated by a center console that features a large storage crevice for storing magazines, cell phones, and other small items. Two cockpit-like rear seats also share a storage crevice.
The orange driver’s seat has a gaming theme. Instrumentation and warning lights cascade from the art inspired instrument panel to the steering wheel. The shifter, located on the center console, resembles a large joystick. On the steering wheel is a simple button to start the engine and a track-ball type control for the Hako’s entertainment system located on the passenger dash. The entertainment system consists of two video monitor screens mounted on the dash for radio, video, and music capabilities. Users can upload their videos and music through a Bluetooth® connection. The front passenger controls the system using a large rollerball mounted on the center of the dash. A black seat differentiates the front passenger area.
Video monitors located on each door and on each side of the rear seating area project distorted fish-eye images from orange filtered cameras mounted beneath the A-pillars. While the vehicle is parked the driver and passenger can edit the scenes captured by the cameras to show their friends where they have been and perhaps even post the clip online for others to see.
BMW X6 Video From The Detroit Auto Show
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Auto Show Videos, BMW, Coupes, SUVs
Tags: Detroit, German, X6, xDrive
The newest member of the BMW X model line, the X6, debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MI. The BMW X6 comes standard with xDrive all-wheel-drive technology with electronic control for variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear axles consistently adjusted to driving conditions at all times and in all situations. The X6 also has Dynamic Performance Control that ensures variable distribution of drive forces between the two rear wheels as a standard.
BMW’s new V8 with Twin Turbo Technology and direct injection is also making its debut in the X6. The 4.4L V8 is the most powerful engine ever featured in a BMW X Model, producing a maximum output of 400 horsepower. The other engine option is the 3.0L straight-six with a maximum output of 300 horsepower.
The X6 can easily be personalized. There are 10 exterior paint choices, five equipment variants, two interior colors, and five trim options.
Click here for more on the BMW X6.
Land Rover LRX Concept Revealed
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Coupes, Crossovers, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, Land Rover
Tags: Detroit, LRX
Land Rover revealed its exciting vision of its future with the LRX concept at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. The LRX concept is a bold evolution of Land Rover design that signals the brand’s shift into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values. As the company prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability-focused technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world and offers the potential of 120 g/km CO2 emissions.
The LRX concept is described as a cross-coupe and dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover represents. Though 149 mm (5.9 in) shorter than the Freelander 2 / LR2 and 205 mm (8.1 in) lower, LRX was conceived as a premium car, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector – those who want many of the benefits of a 4×4 and the presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package. Its many recognizable Land Rover design cues include bold new interpretations of the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid ‘wheel-at-each-corner’ stance.
LRX is conceived as a highly fuel-efficient, US Federal-specification, 2.0-litre, turbodiesel hybrid, capable of running on bio-diesel. In combination with other Land Rover technologies, this powertrain could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30% compared with other 4×4s of comparable size, and reduce emissions to approximately 120 g/km.
LRX’s improved efficiencies are the result of advanced mechanical and electrical energy-saving elements, which are combined to achieve cumulative gains in many areas.
The concept’s integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) is particularly significant in Land Rover terms as it would allow LRX to use electric drive alone at lower speeds while retaining full (even improved) 4×4 ability in tough conditions. Unlike the hybrid technology used by some 4×4 rivals, Land Rover’s unique solution retains mechanical drive to all four wheels. Off-road, the ERAD would provide additional torque only when it is needed, and with maximum electrical torque from standstill, this solution offers even better low-speed control and enhanced pull-away on difficult surfaces (such as packed snow or wet grass) or when towing.
On the road, the ERAD would allow low-speed traffic creep up to 20 mph (32 km/h) on electric power alone, with the Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) function re-starting the engine automatically when needed. The electric drive would then continue to assist the mechanical drive until the engine is running in its most efficient range, benefiting both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The ISG would also stop the engine automatically when the vehicle halts in traffic, so the engine does not idle needlessly, and restart it quickly and smoothly as required.
The electrical drive system uses power stored in a dedicated high-voltage, high-capacity, lithium-ion battery pack, independent of the normal 12-volt battery. This is charged by a regenerative braking energy system, also working through the ERAD.
Although LRX is compact, clever use of space makes it impressively roomy, and many neat design touches maximize its practicality. A second touch-screen area gives a fully interactive display and control for LRX’s iPhone docking facility.
On either side of the horizontally-split, power-operated tailgate, removable and power-adjustable speakers include an iPod docking station. There is also a coolbox, plus a bottle chiller that can be clipped to the lowered tailgate. The tailgate also has integral aluminum cupholders between two padded seating areas, for a new twist on the idea of a traditional Land Rover tailgate lunch.
BMW X6 To Debut At The 2008 Detroit Auto Show
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, BMW, Concept Cars, Coupes, SUVs
For those who have been following the BMW X6 Concept, you will be pleased to hear that the X6 Sports Activity Coupe will make a showing at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. The X6 represents a new class of vehicles where SAV versatility meets coupe agility in a jaw-dropping look.
The BMW X6 will offer 2 engine choices: a 4.4L V8 engine in the xDrive50i and a 3.0 inline-six in the xDrive35i, both with Twin Turbo and direct injection. The V8, the most powerful engine ever seen in the BMW X Model, is also making its debut in the X6. The eight-cylinder is capable of a maximum engine output of 400 horsepower and a peak torque of 450 lb-ft from 1,800-4,500 rpm. This is the first eight-cylinder gasoline engine in the world to feature its turbocharger in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders.
Stay tuned for more on the X6 and coverage from the upcoming 2008 Detroit Auto Show.
The discuss the X6: BMW X6 (E71) Forums
Click here to watch a photo montage video with commentary of the BMW X6 Concept.
MINI Cooper Clubman: “The Other MINI” At The LA Auto Show
Filed under: 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Coupes, Economy Sport/GT, MINI, Wagons/Estates
Tags: Cooper Clubman
All-new to the MINI family is the Clubman, which made its US debut at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Clubman represents the modern successor to the legendary classics Morris Mini Traveller, Austin Mini Countryman, and Mini Clubman Estate. The MINI Cooper Clubman and MINI Cooper S Clubman will go on sale February 16th, 2008.
Honda Concept CR-Z
Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Honda, Tokyo Motor Show
The theme for Honda’s automobile booth for this year is: “For the endless joy of mobility on our earth”. Based on this theme, Honda will display a variety of advanced environmental technologies that address environmental issues such as a reduction in CO2 emissions, together with the fun of mobility.
Two concept models will make their world premiere at the motor show. The CR-Z is a next-generation lightweight sports car equipped with Honda’s original gas-electric hybrid system which achieves both clean performance and a high level of torque. The PUYO is a fuel cell vehicle which was designed based on out-of-box thinking to provide fun for both the vehicle owner and people around them as well. Also on display will be a model of the i-DTEC next-generation diesel engine, first announced in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which delivers both outstanding environmental performance and engine performance characteristics.
CR-Z
‘CR-Z’ stands for ‘Compact Renaissance Zero’-an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals.
This design research model of a lightweight hybrid sports car features advanced technologies that deliver enjoyable driving for all while reducing the vehicle’s environmental footprint.
Exterior design
Designed to be ‘Futuristic and Dynamic’, the CR-Z combines powerful performance in a compact form with a futuristic image. For its frontal view, an over-sized grill with a high-performance look is offset by openings on each side that lighten the overall feel. In the rear, tube-shaped rear combination lamps ensure better rearward visibility. Design details emphasizing the CR-Z’s advanced image include door mirrors that provide high visibility in a stylish form, LED headlights patterned after luminous bodies to convey a sharp impression, and jauntyfin-shaped
Interior design
The key words for the CR-Z’s interior design are ‘Hi-tech and Sporty’. The goal was to create an all-new sporty interior that fuses the liberating feel of airy spaciousness with an advanced interface that brings out the fun of the drive. Mesh material on a simple framework construction is used throughout the interior to convey a light, sophisticated image without being oppressive. In the cockpit, the meter unit conveys the image of advanced technology ensconced in a piece of glass artwork, offering the functionality of immediate recognition while enhancing the driving experience with a futuristic and exhilarating feeling.
Video Of The 2008 Audi S5
Filed under: Audi, Auto Show Videos, Coupes, New York International Auto Show
Roadfly is proud to bring you video of the 2008 Audi S5. It debuted at the 2007 New York International Auto show. For more info on the S5 or any other of the debuts at the show, check out: Roadfly Auto Show Coverage
Video: 2008 Audi S5
