Designing Cars

Škoda Superb Fastback

2010-05-28T09:40:00.001-04:00

The Škoda Superb Fastback is a project created by Pavel Hrubyi and published by Czech magazine AutoDesign&Styling which proposes a dynamic fastback version of the Skoda Superb flagship model.

(Car Body Design's news)

BMW Z Spyder Stradale preview

2010-05-28T09:34:00.002-04:00

Some unofficial sources have announced that BMW is going to create an eco-efficient premium roadster based on the EfficientDynamics concept, with a design inspired by the 2005 California Spyder Concept. The car could enter in production by 2014.

(Car Body Design's news)

Pininfarina Nido EV Concept

2010-05-28T09:25:00.002-04:00

During the celebrations for its 80th Anniversary, Pininfarina has unveiled the Nido EV Concept.

The Nido EV Concept is based on the 2004 Nido Concept and features a platform with a hybrid powertrain and a modular chassis that can be easily adapted to four different layouts, such as a compact pickup and a mini-van with both 2 and 2+2 seating layout and pure-electric or hybrid drivetrain.

The prototype adopts a tubular steel frame, while the final version will have an aluminium space frame.

The Nido EV is powered by a rear-mounted permanent magnet motor coupled with a Zebra Z5 Ni-NaCl battery, which guarantees a range of 140 km, a top speed of 120 km/h (limited electronically), and a 0-60 km/h acceleration in 6.7 seconds.

Additional information can be found in the official press release, reported below.

(Car Body Design's news)

Alfa Romeo Giulietta: stile

2010-05-22T00:19:00.000-04:00

RSS Maybach 57S Coupé preview

2010-05-22T00:13:00.002-04:00

Maybach has released some official design sketches of the a coupé model based on the 57S sedan. It will be produced in partnership with German Xenatech in a limited series of 100 units, with an announced price of 650,000€.

(Car Body Design's news)

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011

2010-05-22T00:06:00.002-04:00

Chrysler Group has released the first images of the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which has been redesigned and reengineered. The main features are the sculpted body, high off-road capabilities and a premium interior. It will go on sale on next month.

The tehnical highlights of the new Grand Cherokee model are a choice of three 4x4 systems, new Quadra-Lift Air Suspension and Selec-Terrain systems and towing capability of 7,400 lbs.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is powered by the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that boasts an 11 percent improvement in fuel economy and delivers up to 23 mpg and more than 500 miles on one tank of gas.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x2 models start at a price of $30,995 - $495 lower than the outgoing model. Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 models start at $32,995 - $465 lower than the outgoing model.

(Car Body Design's news)

Infiniti M design sketches revealed

2010-05-21T23:58:00.001-04:00

Autoblog has published a design sketch that could preview two Infiniti M models set to debut at Pebble Beach on August, including a conventional coupé and a possible four-door coupé, that would expand the corrent M special models line-up.

(Car Body Design's news)

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

2010-05-15T00:33:00.000-04:00

Hispano Suiza V10 Supercharged

2010-05-15T00:22:00.003-04:00

The "Hispano Suiza V10 Supercharged" is a super sportscar based on the Audi R8 and presented at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show by Spanish Company Delmar 04 SA.

The V10 unit is equipped with two electrically-powered superchargers, and generates 750 hp - power that propels the Hispano Suiza from a standing stop to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.4 seconds.

With an access height of 1,250 millimeters (49 inches), Hispano Suiza drivers will enjoy ease of entry and the interior, furnished in leather, aluminum and carbon.

In its next phase of development, the Hispano Suiza will have a hybrid drive. In this version, a 150 HP electric motor will power the front wheels.

As a result, a total of 900 hp – in combination with the ten-cylinder engine – will be available, or the electric motor can operate alone to propel the Granturismo quietly and without exhaust emissions.

(Car Body Design's news)

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

2010-05-15T00:12:00.002-04:00

Porsche has unveiled the 911 GT2 RS, the most powerful street-legal model of all times with its 620 hp. Among the features are a weight of just 1,370 kg, a 0-200 km/h acceleration in less than 10 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h. It will be built in 500 units with a price over 200k Euros.

(Car Body Design's news)

BMW Concept Gran Coupé: design images

2010-05-15T00:00:00.003-04:00

BMW has released a new set of images that document the development of the Gran Coupé Concept. The gallery includes a number of photos from the clay modeling process and design sketches that put into evidence the main styling elements.

To see the gallery Click Here!

(Car Body Design's news)

MG Zero Concept

2010-05-07T22:42:00.003-04:00

The MG Zero Concept is a compact car presented at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show that could preview a production model planned for market launch in 2011

The 4-meters long car showcases a modern design - with futuristic elements in the interior, such as the touch controls and LED lighting system - characterized by dynamic lines and distinctive lights.

The front end adopts a design language similar to that of the MG6 model, set to be launched in Europe within the year. Among the features is a display positioned at the rear which can display text messages to the outer environment.

(Car Body Design's news)

Hyundai Sonata Coupe

2010-05-03T10:53:00.001-04:00

The Sonata coupe would be mechanically the same as the recently revamped sedan, offering both the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and possibly the 2.0-liter turbo that was introduced last month at the2010 New York Auto Show.

(InsideLine's news)

Kia Optima Koup

2010-05-03T10:47:00.003-04:00

Kia introduced its redesigned 2011 Optima just last month at the 2010 New York Auto Show, and now Inside Line has photo illustrations of the new Optima sedan less two doors, a shape that could become the Optima coupe.

Built on a new platform, the 2011 Kia Optima sedan is longer, lower and wider than the outgoing model, and its newly stretched dimensions look even more appealing in coupe form.

An Optima coupe (or Optima Koup, as Kia might choose to follow the same marketing direction established by its Forte Koup) would likely offer the same powertrain choices available for the Optima sedan. The midsize sedan presently comes equipped with either a 200-horsepower direct-injection, 2.4-liter inline-4 or a 274-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4. The sedan comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed automatic with shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The 2011 Optima sedan arrives in dealers later this fall. A coupe version would likely follow a year later.

(InsideLine's news)

JAC Concept Vision IV

2010-04-28T13:06:00.002-04:00

At the 2010 Beijing Auto Show Chinese carmaker JAC has presented the Concept Vision IV, a design study of a 5-seater Multi-Purpose Vehicle with a modern design that shows some similarities with the Opel Meriva. Among the features is the roof with solar panels.

(Car Body Design's news)

BMW Concept Gran Coupé

2010-04-28T12:53:00.002-04:00

The BMW Concept Gran Coupé is a design study of a four-door coupé that combines a 5-meters length and a flat silhouette with the design elements typical of the brand's coupes, providing an insight into the design philosophy and development strategy.

(Car Body Design's news)

Lamborghini Murciélago SuperVeloce China Edition

2010-04-26T11:33:00.004-04:00

At the 2010 Beijing Auto Show Lamborghini has presented a special edition of its flagship, the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce - called China Edition.

An orange stripe, symbolising the strength of an erupting volcano, decorates the flat grey painted carbon shell of the Murciélago.

The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is more powerful, lighter and faster than the Murciélago LP 640.

With the output of the 6.5 liter V12 increased to 670 hp and a weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce has a power-to- weight ratio of 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs) per hp.

It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 3,2 seconds and hits reaches a top speed of 342 km/h.

(Car Body Design's news)

Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Electric Concept

2010-04-26T11:27:00.003-04:00

At the 2010 Beijing Auto Show Chevrolet has unveiled the Volt MPV5 Electric Concept, a study of a crossover variant of the Volt electric model which is characterized by larger dimensions, an aerodynamic-driven design and the same electric powerplant.

(Car Body Design's news)

Ford Start Concept

2010-04-26T11:11:00.002-04:00

At the 2010 Beijing Auto Show Ford will unveil the Start Concept, an eco-efficient compact vehicle that expresses the company's vision for the future of urban transportation in growing markets. Among the features is the 1.0 liter 3-cylinder engine and the use of advanced lightweight materials.

The Start Concept is powered by an all-new 1.0 liter 3-cylinderEcoBoost gasoline engine which delivers CO2 emissions under 100g/km.

The exterior design takes inspiration from the spirit of exotic sportscars from the past, such as the Porsche 356 Speedster and the Alfa Romeo Zagato SZ.

The interior design development was focused on offering passengers great visibility and a tactile analog experience, while reducing the number of total parts.

(Car Body Design's news)

Ferrari 599XX Lap of the Nurburgring (new record lap)

2010-04-24T18:30:00.003-04:00

Autodesk Sketchbook Pro for iPad

2010-04-22T15:29:00.002-04:00

Autodesk has announced the availability of the SketchBook Pro App for iPad, a new paint and drawing application designed exclusively for the iPad and targeted to both occasional and professional users. The app is available on the App Store at $7.99.

(Car Body Design's news)

2011 Scion tC

2010-04-22T10:18:00.004-04:00

The Scion tC gets its first major overhaul this fall, when the 2011 edition arrives at U.S. dealers. The sporty coupe will feature a larger, more powerful engine and new transmissions.

As part of its first major redesign since its 2004 launch, the tC is being fitted with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 180 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque, compared with 161 hp and 162 lb-ft for the 2.4-liter unit that powers the current model. Toyota said the 2.5 also will get better fuel economy and will be equipped with a sport-tuned exhaust system.

Two new transmissions, a six-speed manual and a six-speed sequential-shift automatic, replace the current five-speed manual and four-speed automatic.

The 2011 tC rides on a new platform with a lower ride height than its predecessor. Suspension is via MacPherson struts in front and double wishbones in the rear. Eighteen-inch alloy rims and larger brakes are part of the package, along with a new electronic power steering.

(InsideLine's news)

Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break Concept

2010-04-20T11:25:00.006-04:00

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the Shooting Break Concept, a show car that combines the design elements of a station wagon with the proportions of a coupé. It takes inspiration from the iconic CLS and gives some indications on the brand's future design direction.

The interior is dominated by natural wood and leather materials, and features four identical seats, upholstered with porcelain-coloured nappa leather combined with metallic-silver perforated leather inserts.

The powertrain adopts a new 3.5 liter V6 gasoline engine with direct injection, which produces 225 kW (306 hp) and 370 Nm and is in line with the BlueEFFICIENCY criteria.

(Car Body Design's news)

Citroën Metropolis Concept

2010-04-20T11:11:00.003-04:00

Citroën has revealed the Metropolis Concept, a sleek luxury sedan concept car that pays homage to China's development. Designed by the company's Shanghai-based design team, the Metropolis will debut at the Shanghai World Fair in May.

Metropolis’ hybrid drivetrain utilises an optimised 2-litre V6 petrol engine and a 7-speed, dual-clutch electronic gearbox.

At low speeds, Metropolis runs in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mode, with its electric motor developing a continuous 55bhp (40kW), peaking at 95bhp (70kW).

At steady speeds on main roads and motorways, the petrol powerplant efficiently provides 272bhp (200kW) and 375Nm of torque.

When additional performance is required, such as during overtaking, the car uses both the electric motor and the combustion engine to deliver a maximum power output of 460bhp (345kW) and 430Nm of torque - equivalent to a 4-litre V8 petrol engine.

There’s also a four-wheel drive mode for when extra grip is needed.

(Car Body Design's news)

JAC IV Concept preview

2010-04-17T11:35:00.002-04:00

At the 2010 Beijing Auto Show Chinese automaker JAC will unveil the IV Concept, a compact two-seater that could compete in the same market segment as the Smart ForTwo. Among the features are a dynamic design with a panoramic windshield and a hybrid powertrain.

(Car Body Design's news)